When searching for a family home, the needs of the household extend beyond the principal living spaces. For some families with live-in childcare, suitable accommodation for a nanny is an important part of the brief.
In a recent Financial Times article, Ashley Wilsdon, Prime Central & North London Advisor at Middleton Advisors, discusses how this is informing property searches for two clients looking to upsize in Chelsea and Wimbledon.
“A small bedroom in the basement is no longer good enough,” Ashley says.
Making space for the wider household
Both clients are looking to provide more substantial accommodation for their nannies, with implications for the space they need from their next home.
“In both cases, our clients want to provide an entire floor and are willing to compromise on their own space to facilitate a spacious bedroom and en suite, plus a separate living area,” Ashley explains.
The requirements will differ between households, but the underlying consideration is the same: how well a property accommodates the people who live and work there. Privacy, a separate living area and, where possible, an independent entrance can all influence how suitable a home is.
In some cases, the accommodation available can also affect which property a family decides to purchase.
Considering the full brief
For families employing live-in childcare, it is worth establishing these requirements at the outset of a property search. The amount and arrangement of space needed may influence the type of property considered, as well as the compromises a family is prepared to make.
Some homes may already have suitable staff accommodation, while others may offer scope to adapt an existing layout, subject to the relevant permissions and practical constraints. A separate studio nearby may also be an option.
Understanding these requirements early helps ensure that the search considers not only the house itself, but how it will function for the household as a whole.
Read the full article here.
