It happened to me and I'm sure many single women who have become homeowners have felt the same. Safety occupied my mind when I bought my house.
It happened to me and I'm sure many single women who have become homeowners have felt the same. Safety occupied my mind when I bought my house.
Berry Everitt, Chas Everitt International property group's managing director, says while the number of single women buyers is climbing rapidly, so is the fear for their safety.
He says women home buyers need to consider the following when viewing properties:
l Homes in well-lit streets are safer than homes in dark, side streets as are those close to a street as opposed to secluded units that are not visible from the road.
l Studies show that crime is higher in mixed-use areas where offices or retail properties are among homes.
In such areas residents lose control over people loitering while pretending to be there "on business".
l While burglar bars, security lights, security doors, alarm systems and fencing can be installed, consider only properties that are already secured or these measures are installed before taking occupation.
l An attached garage with a door leading directly into the home limits exposure at a vulnerable entry point. Remote-controlled gates and garage doors obviate getting out of the car.
l A dog in a securely fenced backyard is still an excellent alarm and deterrent - not to mention a potential best friend.
Safety a priority for singles
It happened to me and I'm sure many single women who have become homeowners have felt the same. Safety occupied my mind when I bought my house.
It happened to me and I'm sure many single women who have become homeowners have felt the same. Safety occupied my mind when I bought my house.
Berry Everitt, Chas Everitt International property group's managing director, says while the number of single women buyers is climbing rapidly, so is the fear for their safety.
He says women home buyers need to consider the following when viewing properties:
l Homes in well-lit streets are safer than homes in dark, side streets as are those close to a street as opposed to secluded units that are not visible from the road.
l Studies show that crime is higher in mixed-use areas where offices or retail properties are among homes.
In such areas residents lose control over people loitering while pretending to be there "on business".
l While burglar bars, security lights, security doors, alarm systems and fencing can be installed, consider only properties that are already secured or these measures are installed before taking occupation.
l An attached garage with a door leading directly into the home limits exposure at a vulnerable entry point. Remote-controlled gates and garage doors obviate getting out of the car.
l A dog in a securely fenced backyard is still an excellent alarm and deterrent - not to mention a potential best friend.
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