Moving into a townhouse can be a significant decision. You might have various reasons to move to a townhouse -  your children have moved out, or your present house feels far too large and empty. If this is your first home purchase, townhome living appears to fit well with your hectic schedule and lifestyle. Alternatively, it could indicate that you have finally decided to downsize and simplify your life. You could also take a look at the new townhouse developments in Melbourne. Here are four best tips for finding and choosing the ideal townhouse development.

1. Create a mental image of your ideal space

Consider the best geographical location for you.

  • Do you want to be closer to your workplace, church, shopping,  theatre district,  nature preserve, or other points of interest?
  • Do you want to make your commute to work more enjoyable?
  • Perhaps you are retired and wish to get away from it all. Do you prefer to live in the city center or the suburbs?

You'd like to be closer to friends or family. Some people visualize friends and family, while others visualize water or green space. Some people prefer the hustle and bustle of downtown living, while others prefer a more peaceful, slower-paced environment. Once you've decided what qualities are important to you, write them down.

2. Narrow down your new neighborhood options

Now that you have a better understanding of your priorities and what makes you happy, you can consider neighborhoods that meet those criteria. If you work, you should consider how many miles or minutes you are willing to drive to work. Take into account traffic patterns and how stressful the drive may be. Is it possible to carpool, take the bus, or ride your bike?

If you go north, south, or east, you won't have to drive into the sun both ways and deal with the inevitable traffic jams. Draw a circle around the acceptable distance from work or other important landmarks as a guide for areas you are willing to consider. If you want to be certain, take the test drive.

3. Consider the features to build townhouses in Melbourne

Before hiring a realtor, you should do some soul-searching and determine your priorities for a new way of life. If you are clear about what is important to you and the features you require, your realtor will have a better chance of finding it for you without wasting either of your time.

Each personality is unique. Some people thrive in a busy environment with a lot going on. Others will thrive in a more tranquil, natural setting. If you have health issues or live with someone who struggles with stairs, a single-level townhouse development is a better option. If community amenities are on your list of "must-haves," expect to pay higher association dues.

If you want the benefits of a detached townhome, options with more square footage, privacy, and a higher price tag may be available in your area. These structures are similar to single-family homes, but with a smaller yard and an association to handle exterior maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal.

Once you've determined which features are non-negotiable and which "would be nice," you're ready to work with your realtor to find the ideal space.

4. Locate a realtor who is familiar with you and your preferred communities

You'll want someone with extensive local knowledge and a proven track record of providing expert advice to home buyers, especially if this is your first time buying a home or if it's been a while. If you don't already have a recommendation for a good realtor to build a townhouse in your desired area, ask trusted friends and colleagues. You can also read reviews on the agent's website, LinkedIn, Google Plus, and other social media platforms.

Share your list of preferred neighborhoods and features with three to four realtors. In the coming months, inquire about their experience, communication style, and availability. Take the time to find a reputable agent, and go with the realtor who makes you feel confident in the process. You'll spend a lot of time with this person as you make this life-changing decision.

When you're ready to make an offer, you can hire a qualified home inspector to conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with a detailed report on the house’s condition. This will reduce the likelihood of major surprises once you take ownership. You should also inquire about a home warranty. Some sellers will provide a home warranty, or you can obtain one on your own. This may relieve concerns about major expenses during the first year.

Compare each townhome to your list of must-have features. If your realtor is knowledgeable, they should be able to advise you on whether the property has any features that would make it challenging to live with or sell later.