Everywhere you look now, new housing estates seem to be popping up and it’s no surprise why they’re so popular.

Housing estate living offers affordable properties nestled within a close-knit community, but they don’t come without their drawbacks. In this blog post, we’re going to look at both sides of the argument.

The Pros of Living on a Housing Estate

It’s affordable

Land and house packages within new housing estates tend to be more affordable than suburban properties closer to the town, allowing first-time buyers to get their feet on the property ladder.

Many housing estate property developers also offer low deposit options in bids to entice younger buyers to the area.

You’ll get a fresh start

With a new estate, you’ll also get a brand-new home, jam-packed with detailed that have been built in based on your specifications, instead of inherited from the previous owners of the property.

Estates are family friendly

If you’ve got little ones – or are planning on them soon – then estates are a great choice. The majority of large estates are designed around families, containing ample parklands and playgrounds, in addition to walking trails and dog parks.

Your kids will love having other kids nearby to play with, and you’ll be embedded in a community of parents at the same stage of life as you.

The Cons of Living on a Housing Estate

There may be design restrictions

If you’re looking to replace your home’s façade, fencing, or other cosmetic items, you may run into trouble. Many developers put design restrictions on the properties they build to maintain the general style and ensure they’re in keeping with the rest of the area.

This can make adapting or expanding your home a real nightmare. Some housing estates even have conservation orders, meaning you might not be able to chop down trees in the back garden.

The future value is uncertain

With so many housing estates being built, the future value can’t be confirmed. They also don’t have a long market history, which makes it difficult to predict how long it will take for them to increase in value.

Public transport is in short supply

If you’re sat right at the centre of a housing estate, you may well find it difficult to get anywhere. Housing estates are renowned for their general lack of transport infrastructure. If you don’t drive, you might have a hard time getting to the shops, or to and from work every day.

Locations aren’t always ideal

Housing estates can only be built where there are large sections of land still available for construction. With Australia’s big cities sprawling into the outer areas, it’s unlikely you’ll find a new build property close to the CBD. If you work in the city, this could be a problem for you.

Before settling on a decision about housing estates, weigh up the pros and cons and book some property viewings. This will help you to build a considered opinion on whether they’re the right choice for you.