Pictured: Tom Dennes
Being in the catchment of an excellent school will typically add
10-15 per cent to the value of a property, an expert has
revealed.
And that can mean tens of thousands of pounds extra in the
leafier parts of Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Tom Dennes, of Bigwood Country Homes, said education
requirements were often at the top of the shopping list when people
were looking to move. "The importance of a good education means
that it invariably falls as the number one priority for
families."
And he highlighted how Stratford-upon-Avon, where the firm is
based, was a particular "hot spot".
He said: "Certainly, many buyers moving to the Stratford area
are doing so due to the high quality and diversity of schools.
"It adds a further complication to a property search - and of
course a higher price for the prized houses close to a good
school."
Mr Dennes said the choice of schooling was often quoted among
the top three requirements, with the order varying according to an
individual's own priorities.
"Usually it will be schooling ahead of everything else;
commutability particularly to local towns, Birmingham and a lesser
extent London, taking into consideration A-roads, motorway networks
and airports such as Birmingham International, and villages and
towns with good facilities.
"The Stratford area scores highly on all three fronts making it
very popular indeed with families."
Mr Dennes said a special attraction was that a good education
could be had for free.
"There are three excellent Grammar Schools in the locality:
Stratford upon Avon Grammar School for Girls near Shottery, King
Edward VI Grammar School for boys in Stratford and Alcester Grammar
School.
"Being selective state Grammar Schools they are heavily
over-subscribed, but at least the option remains which is not the
case in other counties. Of course there are plenty of excellent fee
paying Prep and Public Schools to choose from but the area is also
lucky to have some good village primary schools as well.
"League tables are always uppermost in parents' minds and I have
no doubt that they will be closely studying the performance of
target schools following publication of the recent GCSE and A Level
results," he said.
For more information about CP Bigwood please visit their website
here: www.bigwood.uk.com