If you're a parent or planning to start a family, the quality of local schools is likely a key consideration when looking for properties in the South West, especially in areas like Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. One crucial factor to consider is school catchment areas, which can significantly impact both property prices and the chances of securing a place for your child in a preferred school.
What is a School Catchment Area?
A school catchment area refers to the geographical zone surrounding a school. Living within this designated area often increases the likelihood of your child being accepted into the school. In property terms, homes within these catchment areas, particularly those near top-rated schools, tend to attract higher demand and, subsequently, higher prices.
To determine whether a home is within a particular school's catchment area, you can either contact the school directly or consult with the local council for the most current boundaries. Keep in mind that catchment areas can change, so always confirm the latest information.
How Catchment Areas Influence Property Prices in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset
For parents, securing a place for their children at a high-performing school is a top priority. Schools with outstanding Ofsted ratings often attract premium property prices within their catchment areas. In Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, properties within these areas can command a significant price increase, sometimes by tens of thousands of pounds.
This increased demand drives competition, with many parents willing to pay a premium to ensure their children attend the best schools. In some cases, families have even resorted to providing false addresses to gain entry into desirable catchment areas. However, this competition often helps properties within top-rated school zones retain their value, even in a fluctuating housing market.
Conversely, properties near schools with lower Ofsted ratings may not experience the same price appreciation. While these properties may not decrease in value, they often fail to increase at the same rate as those near top-performing schools.
How to Find a Property in School Catchment Areas
Securing a property within a prime school catchment area doesn’t have to break the bank. By conducting thorough research and keeping an eye on up-and-coming schools, you may uncover potential property bargains in Devon, Cornwall, or Somerset.
Many buyers rely solely on the latest Ofsted report to evaluate a school's performance. Schools rated as "Good" or "Outstanding" often attract the most interest, while those rated as "Inadequate" or "Requires Improvement" are usually overlooked. However, this may present an opportunity for savvy buyers.
Schools rated "Good" by Ofsted are inspected every four years, while "Outstanding" schools may not be inspected regularly. It’s possible that these schools might not be maintaining their high standards over time.
On the flip side, a school currently rated as "Requires Improvement" may be undergoing significant positive changes, such as the introduction of a new headteacher or leadership team. These changes could lead to an improved rating at the next inspection, boosting the school's reputation and causing property prices in the catchment area to rise.
If you do your homework and identify a school on the rise, you could find yourself securing a property before the prices climb. This can be an excellent opportunity for homeowners and investors alike.
Webbers are your local property experts for Devon, Cornwall and Somerset area and we can help you.