Hi,
We are considering moving to a new suburb and new house as we are tired of our old house that needs so much work doing to it and would like a bit more space for the future - unfortunately that will involve moving away from our lovely local beach and large backyard to a house further out of Auckland with a small back yard as we can't afford a newer bigger house here (although in the new area we will be able to bike around more, there are lots of parks and beaches are still reasonably accessible).

If we do move we need to find a house that will suit us for a long time. Our kids are currently young (2, 4 and 5), so I know what is important now, but I don't really know what is important when the kids get older.

If you have older kids, could you please give me an idea of what is important for you, with respect to house size and layout, separation of living areas, backyard and local area facilities?

Thank you!

I'd stick with the beach and large backyard, because in a nutshell thats what kids want. A 2nd living room is nice but not essential. Our living areas are all one big area but can be broken into 2 parts by some doors and we very seldom do so. To us it's important to be with our kids, rather than shutting them off in their own special rooms as togetherness fosters close family ties and better communication.
Other than large yard and beach, I'd put public transport high on the list as that helps their independence, and means that they can get to whatever facilities they need.

I have kids in downwards order 10,8,5 and nearly 3... we have a tiny yard and a sloping shared driveway.

We are finding the yard less and less necessary as the kids get older... the older two are boys, and they are now old enough to go down to the local park or ride their bikes without supervision (I will let Mr 10 go alone, but Mr 8 has to go with his brother) They are also allowed to walk to school by themselves now. (Miss 5 doesn't) They will now play cricket on the driveway instead of the yard, because they are old enough to be aware of cars coming and going (only one other house, and the owners there are pretty aware too) and dd is old enough to let out there with them - the only tree we have is an old lemon tree that she will climb in while the boys play cricket. We don't let Mr 2 out there, much to his chagrin, as we are on a busy road.

If we could find a place in this area would a larger yard and some trees for the same price, I'd be in...but I won't move away (we are in Mt Albert, and my brother keeps trying to talk me into moving to Papakura) for the sake of a larger yard as we seem to have adapted ok and the kids make the best of what they've got without complaining.

ditto.
DS 8yrs would die if i took away his big back yard....he'd be quite happy with a rumpty old house and a soccer field i think Im the opp to GA, the older mine get the more necessary the backyard is.
and going from my brother and his mates and us and the neighbours all used to play sport on our backyard to well we left home at 18 lol.
the other thing we do have that is close is the beach...lol so thats the other 2nd thing we cherish that you'd be leaving-but not essential to be super close - heck we're realllly close but take the car bcos the thought of walking 2 tired cold wet sand kids plus all the gear home even the measley 3blocks we are away lol

i guess being somewhere close to friends/being able to be independant as a teenager i.e walk/bus easily to where you want/need to go - not feeling like you are stuck way out in the middle of nowhere.

oh and ditto to trees...mine love their tree to climb.

With your move, how long do you intend to stay there. I know, you haven't even moved there yet!!

Cos if they're going to be teenagers, then I'd definately recommend a family room or rumpus or sleepout. Cos then they can hang out with their mates and you can still kinda keep an eye on what they're up to.

The other comments about having everybody together is good, when they're younger, but as they get older, I think everybody (including the parents), need their own space. Do you really want playstation on the family TV, when you're trying to watch the news.

In regards to outdoor area, I think it really does depend on the individual kid. Our 14yr old DS loves having room to kick a soccer ball, ride his bike etc. But our 16yr old DD isn't that bothered. But for her, being close to a bus stop, to get to the mall, friends places etc is more important. Where as DS would just ride his bike, and hates the shops.

If you can, get two bathrooms too.

My kids are like GA's and although I wouldnt want a smaller section than we have (700sqm -but the house is at the front so a large grassed area)- the need for a big section gets less as they age - from about 8 upwards. They use the school much more - ie cricket in the back yard is a no go cos they are too good and they would prefer playing soccer on a big field.

An essential to us is a bedroom each so they can have their own space and a 2nd living area - again so they can have their tv and games away from my adult space. Another essential is several bathrooms/toilets. My kids have a toilet of their own, i have an ensuite and then we have a main bathroom. Its perfect.

DS is 14 and loves our big back paved driveway to play basketball & skateboard.
We also have a grassed area for the trampoline.
I'm sure if we lived by the beach you would find him there too.

The concrete area has proved its worth for the kids over the years.
Using chalk to draw pictures, make obstacle courses, ride bikes, play ball, skateboarding etc.
Attach a marquee or gazebo off our 9x6 garage/sleepout and it turns into a nice level surface & party area.
The grassed areas big enough to play cricket or rugby, although that happens less these days.

If theres one thing I wish our house had though it would be an extra bathroom & toilet, and a family/rumpus room for the kids to go to.
What our house lacks for in size 3bdrm 120sqm, it makes up for in space outside. We have a 975sqm section, although my parents have 85sqm granny flat on the back.

Well, mine are shit out of luck with getting their own rooms too. We keep telling ds1 he is getting a caravan down the back (on the concrete pad where the cars are) when he turns 16. He is totally hanging out for that day, lol!!!!!

Oh yeah, trees are awesome! We had lots at our last Auckland house, the main use was a rope swing, just a single rope and a stick and they spent ages hanging in that thing, but also they tied ropes between trees, built a treehouse etc. It was fabulous! I really really wanted at least one big tree here, but they are all frigging gum trees in our area which means they 1/ drop branches in a sudden and very dangerous way and 2/ harbour termites. I'm definitely planting a big tree that is not a gum and will be a gift to the children who will live in this house in years to come.

Thanks very much for all your replies - definitely helps to get an idea. I would really miss the nature aspect of our backyard (has some bush and backs onto a creek from which we can kayak to the beach when the tide is high), but then again if we can find a house close to reserves perhaps we can still do some of that stuff but won't have to maintain it! Our yard isn't really any good for sports in the long run as the flat grassed areas are limited.

It is so hard to decide these things, but at least we have the luxury of other options if we decide to pursue them...