Finding the right home when you have a disability, mobility challenge, or sensory need goes beyond location and budget, it is about a property that works for you now and in the future. As architects specialising in accessible and inclusive design, we offer a dedicated property finding service, assessing adaptation potential before you commit.

Generally, when considering a house purchase, there are key factors that we consider when reviewing a property. These normally include the following.

• Layout and space within the property
• Space around the property
• Location to amenities
• Floor and ground levels at property
• Any planning restrictions (such as listed building)
• Purchase price

Through working with many case managers, solicitors, occupational therapists and families, we have found that a wide plot is always beneficial in the overall architectural design. This allows for the property to be extended (if needed) and to accommodate a secondary access point for carers. Although this may not be needed when first moving into the property, it future-proofs the property for changes that may be needed with the development of the disabled client.

Often, families are put off properties due to the current condition. Although this is important, we would certainly recommend that they are not dismissed due to this. Even with properties in good condition, we have found that significant alterations may be required (such as an adapted kitchen) and would therefore recommend focusing more on the location, ground levels and the plot size.

We always recommend that before feasibility reports and house purchase surveys are carried out, a general review of the proposed property is carried out as a desktop study with the architect in order to determine if the property has the potential requirements to adapt as needed. This helps to save cost and time if not suitable.

We are always happy to assist and provide guidance over property suitability and the desktop studies are significantly more cost effective prior to any site inspections.