Coupling up to choose your dream home
Category Property Advice
Love makes the world go round. Finding the right home for your hearts is an important step
in your love story. For discerning couples in Cape Town, the property market presents
exciting possibilities and some potentially daunting challenges. Securing your ideal home
requires keen financial acumen, and a deep understanding of your shared vision. We help
you figure out the fun in finding your cosy home, perfect for two. Here's how to find a home
that suits both your hearts.
Align your priorities
One of you loves to garden, but the other prefers urban convenience. A mismatch in
priorities can lead to some disagreements. That's why, before you start searching for your
cosy-up spot, it's important to discuss your absolute property priorities. When it comes to
choosing your property priorities, you should consider:
● Location: Do you need to plan for a lengthy commute to work, or are you happily
working from home? Choosing which area to zone in on will be a defining choice in
your property search.
● Amenities: Are you homebodies or always on the go? Defining the type of property
you need will depend on your lifestyle. If you're always on the move, a lock-up-and-
go lovenest is a must. If you're more likely to spend time curating your herb garden
and cuddling up for a movie night, you would naturally gravitate towards a larger home.
Assess your budget
Making the right move with your mutual money is fundamentally important. Before you begin
scrolling through property listings, it's important to have pinned down your perfect number.
According to FNB's affordability index, the average household in Cape Town spends 32% of
its income on housing. Once you've combined your budgets and incomes, are you above or
below that average? Even when you've settled into your sweetheart spot, how will you divide
the costs? While chatting about finances isn't always fun, it's fundamental for your future.
Plan for the future
You can't simply choose a property for the present; it will have to cater to the future version
of you two, too. If you plan to start a family, you'll need more rooms. You may envision a
future where the two of you tackle renovations from the ground up. Would you be happy with
a fixer-upper, or are you needing a property that's ready to go from the day you move in?
Ensure your property search keeps your long-term vision in mind, too.
Find the compromise
You both swear you've found the perfect home, but there's just one or two things you can't
quite settle on. As a couple, you're entering the era of compromise. Be prepared to negotiate
on certain aspects, but prioritise your deal breakers that could affect your long-term happiness.
Your dream home is a shared dream. By prioritising open communication, financial clarity,
and planning for the future, you will find the sweet spot. That's where our Knight Frank agents can help. More than just property agents, we're matchmakers too. We work with you
to understand the nuances and your needs. We'll help you find the haven for your hearts in
Cape Town.
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Author: Knight Frank
