Top safety tips for single women when buying homes
Modern, 21st century women are leading the pack when it comes to purchasing power and this is no different when it comes to the property market. Prime real estate is being snapped up by career women who are focused, driven and know what they want. However, in today’s unsafe world, taking precautions as a single woman is essential to ensuring your new home is a haven.
Many women are exploring the option of living alone as they gain control of their finances, opt to raise families on their own or take on being the breadwinner for their elderly parents. They cannot afford to live in fear, while shouldering so many responsibilities.
Identify and eliminate potential threats
Safe surroundings are key to maintaining a secure home environment. Searching for a home in a quiet suburb with security patrols is ideal, or buying an apartment in a security complex are surefire ways to eliminate the possibility of living in an exposed, freestanding home. Women buyers generally tend to choose homes that are not on ground level, favouring second-floor apartments and townhouses. When they do choose ground-level properties, interleading doors through their parking garage is another method to feel safe and lessen exposure.
Upgraded security measures go the distance
Spending money on home security is an investment that keeps on giving. Not only does it serve to protect you in your daily life, it increases the value of your home should you choose to sell. Consider obtaining the following security solutions for your property:
- Outdoor motion sensor lights
- Armed response alarm system
- Smart doorbell or keyhole camera
- Electric fencing
- Change locks after moving in
- Install security cameras
These methods will act as a deterrent to criminals who often watch their victims before planning a home invasion or hijacking. Avoiding a predictable routine and switching up your arrival times or routes will ensure that you safeguard yourself even further.
Prepare, plan and take precautions
Living alone as a woman in South Africa requires you to remain alert and always put your safety first. From meeting new people to starting new jobs and relationships, never let strangers know you live alone before establishing trust. It is also wise to get to know the area, your neighbours and local neighbourhood watch to report any suspicious activity that makes you feel unsafe or poses a threat to other residents.
Modern developments and private residential estates are being built with the latest security protocols in mind. Biometric access and visitor identifications are major components of a successful security system that controls authorised entry. This greatly lessens the risk of unwanted intruders and gives you added peace of mind.
Choose a supportive team
REALGLEN Properties knows all about the struggles women have to face at different sectors of life. We are dedicated to making each of our client’s feel safe, heard and valued. With our expert women on board, we ensure that each step of your home-buying journey, from viewings to interacting with owners, landlords or external contractors are done safely and with your comfort in mind.Be wary of agents who don’t have a trustworthy track record or scam artists who want you to believe they are associated with a certain company. Pick a property agency that is transparent, reliable and adheres to the strict policy codes of the property practitioners' regulatory authority. Contact us today