Suburbs are constantly experiencing change. There are the subtle negatives: a new pothole, a traffic light that stops working, more fallen leaves and trash, and so on. On the other hand, positive new developments and infrastructure are more noticeable and impactful.
There are also generational changes; particularly those made by an influx of younger generations who upgrade older homes to more contemporary designs, often bringing new value to properties in a suburb. Younger generations that move into generation-owned homes, also change the landscape in significant ways.
The point is that while aesthetics and aura play a crucial role in the desirability of a suburb, co-existence and the manner in which we engage with our neighbours is equally as important as observing our environment, its layout, conveniences, and social events. Together these enhance lifestyles and can unite a community. And, with the addition of community WhatsApp groups, more residents are engaged with one another and can rally to drum up support for suburb improvements, or even barter services among themselves.
The Covid crisis played a part in alerting residents to the importance of harmonious co-existence. We live in a diverse, multi-cultural environment, and if embraced, we can all learn how to be more tolerant of one another. What that has to do with your suburb is important in terms of the type of new property owners it will attract. For example, people enjoy living close to their places of worship or schools attended by their children. When we understand those preferences and can honour one another’s choices, it makes for harmonious living, which is also good for the attractiveness of properties in the suburb.
Social
Just as important are the social amenities that a suburb has on offer. These might be green spaces, where communities walk dogs, or host events such as markets. Also popular are areas where the cafe or art societies and eateries are but a short walk away. Gyms, cycling clubs, dance studios, and even sporting stadiums are attractions for like-minded individuals. These offerings have given rise to the work-play-live developments, and while this likely creates cliques within, that is not necessarily a bad thing because it plays a major role in unification.
Crime
Having a low crime rate is extremely attractive. This is one of the major reasons why estates within suburbs are so popular. Knowing that your family is protected by a multitude of security facilities that you might not be able to afford, is freedom from a fear and develops a shared level of trust and concern.
Similarly streets can be monitored by CCV adding an extra layer of protection for your property.
Manoeuvrability
Understanding the layout of your suburb has advantages relative to being able to enter and exit the area. Manoeuvring through streets and grasping their connectivity can reduce travel time on the roads, even more so when there are blockages preventing you from getting from A to B. It is also good to know what other transport systems can be accessed, be that public transport, the availability of taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, and cycle paths.
Life expectancy
When it comes to choosing a property in a certain area, international research has shown that living in certain suburbs can have an impact on extending your life expectancy. If amenities are close to your residence, you’ll walk more, and this can also include being able to walk to shops where you may have access to fresh, healthier foods.
Business support
Most suburbs have small businesses, such as plumbers, electricians, doctors and so on, but there are also those that work from home, who may not be as visible. You may find a previously unknown neighbour has a PC repair business, which can save you time and even money given the closer proximity. You might even be able to trade or barter services. With awareness and in support of these smaller businesses, you will become part of the local economy, and the stronger that becomes, the greater stimulus for property price appreciation.
Ownership and governance
From an investment perspective, well-run suburbs can result in faster appreciation of property values over time, which makes them highly desirable. It often pays, therefore, to involve yourself in local governance issues so that you can have a say in how the suburb is managed and develops. This may be as simple as red flagging an issue and campaigning for it or even just voting on a common threat, You might prefer to take a more demanding position such as playing an active role in community and suburb development.
