For many families, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make. While factors such as schools, commuting, and local amenities are key parts of the decision-making process, one consideration is becoming increasingly important: how well will this home work when your children reach university age? Chiltern Relocation not only helps many families to find their ideal home but we also understand the importance of future proofing that adds up to a successful move.
Families relocate at all stages of life but typically we see couples moving out of London with young families in order to avoid the competitive London schooling system and to enjoy more space in terms of housing and green space. As part of the service, we look at catchment areas for primary schools and secondary schools. We discuss the state grammar school option available in Buckinghamshire and we also highlight excellent private schooling options. Alongside checking catchment areas, we also ensure that clients look ahead to the secondary school years to ensure that their move will meet the requirements such as school bus routes to a variety of different schools. When clients are house hunting with babies and toddlers it is very easy to focus on the primary school years and not project forward to the teenage years and beyond.
Looking beyond the Secondary School Years When House Hunting
However, we are now seeing families who are keen to project even further ahead to university years due to the growing number of students who commute as a result of crippling London student rent bills. With rising tuition fees, higher living costs, and growing numbers of students choosing to commute rather than move into university accommodation, purchasing a property that can support young adults living at home may provide significant long-term benefits. Future-proofing your house purchase with this in mind can help create financial flexibility, family stability, and a smoother transition into adulthood for your children.
Top London universities such as University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, Kings College London (KCL) and The London School of Economics (LSE) provide student accommodation but the price bracket is typically between £12,500-£15,000 per annum. This high price tag eats the majority of the student loan budget, and the fact that not all accommodation options are central to university campuses, means extra time spent travelling and extra cost.
According to the recent article ‘Stay at Home Students’ in The Sunday Times: “a third of 18-year-olds are shunning uni digs to save money. With the average student debt being a dizzying £53,010 on graduation, it is no surprise that students are doing the maths and are deciding to commute to university.”
Where should you be looking to future proof your house?
In addition to saving a fortune in rent by living at home, the commute from home is often quicker for these students than for their peers who need to cross London from student zones such as Stratford for KCL or North Acton for Imperial where a large proportion of first years are housed. Catching the last train home after night out is increasingly being seen as the economically sensible alternative.
Given the proximity of the Chilterns to central London it is no surprise to learn that there are many commuting university students in towns such as Beaconsfield, Penn, Seer Green, Gerrards Cross, Amersham, Berkhamsted and High Wycombe. All these areas offer excellent direct, fast trains into the heart of London with a very regular service. Many of these towns also feature regularly in the ‘Top Places to live in the UK’ and all offer a wide range or excellent housing options for families.
What do you need to be looking for if you want to truly future-proof your house purchase?
A common mistake is buying a home that perfectly suits a family with younger children but becomes restrictive once those children morph into teenagers and become adults. University students need quiet study space, privacy for online lectures, room for coursework material and ideally a space to socialise with friends. An additional bedroom, flexible office space, or converted loft can make a significant difference. Homes with adaptable layouts are often better suited to changing family needs over time.
What to look for:
- A study nook or alcove area
- An extra spare room
- A dedicated home office
- Garden or outbuildings that could be converted
- Potential to add a garden room
- Possibility of converting a garage or building over a garage
Properties that work well for families with older children often appeal to a broad range of buyers. Flexible layouts, good transport links, and proximity to educational institutions can enhance long-term resale value.
Rather than viewing university-aged children as a niche consideration, think of these features as part of a wider strategy to purchase a versatile home that adapts to different stages of life. As university costs continue to rise and commuting becomes an increasingly attractive option, many families are finding that keeping children at home during higher education offers both financial and personal advantages for the whole family.
By choosing a property with strong transport connections, adaptable living space, dedicated study areas, and room for growing independence, you can create a home that serves your family well for years to come. Future-proofing your purchase today may provide your children with greater opportunities tomorrow while helping your family navigate the university years with confidence and flexibility.
If you need help to find your ideal home then we can help. With over 20 years’ experience in sourcing property and unrivalled local knowledge, Chiltern Relocation can take on the stress of the search and guide you through the all the steps to finding exactly what you are looking for.
For more information call 01494 672086 or email: enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our website: www.chilternrelocation.com
