Why Schools Are a Major Factor for House Hunting Families

1st March 2022

For families looking to move home, the catchment areas for the best schools have long been a priority. There is often a lot of competition for apartments or houses within a specific area of a top school, and properties can often be snapped up, which in turn can create a mini housing bubble. 

With school admission rules mainly based on location, children need to live within a certain distance of a school for the best chance of being accepted. And according to statistics, those that have received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted resulted in a 13.2% higher cost of a home near a school than those rated as Good or below. 

Matt Turner, Founder of Astute Property Search, comments: “In London, being within catchment of a top-rated school can add up to a £100,000 premium compared to similar homes nearby but just out of the catchment area. This is where an agent will earn their fees, it is down to us to study these locations, infiltrate the mini bubble and keep our finger on the pulse to be the first in when a home comes onto the market.” 

In Richmond and the surrounding area, properties near to schools including Marshgate Primary School, Christ’s School, King’s House School, The Vineyard School, Old Vicarage School and St Elizabeth’s Catholic School are often the most sought-after. To find out how we can help you get the right property for you and your family, call us on 020 8940 2233.