For what is widely considered one of the most stressful things you can do, moving house can be made easier with a few simple considerations.
Of course, there are numerous factors to consider when choosing to buy a home but by starting by listing what’s most important you can save time and stress.
Narrow down your search by thinking about the things that you absolutely can’t budge on, such as:
- Location
- Budget
- Type of property
- Local amenities
Pick your priorities
It’s common knowledge but it bears repeating that you can decorate any property to your taste but you can’t change the neighbourhood.
Consider whether you’re wanting to be close to green open spaces, decent transport links, or even where you work.
Once you know what your top priorities are, for example:
- Schools
- Shops
- Commute time
- Council tax costs
- Crime rates
- Community feel
You’ll likely be left with more than one potential area to buy in, so it can help to further refine your search by identifying specific estates or even streets.
Dream realistic
Of course we all want to live in a ‘nice’ area, depending on which criteria you use – but typically this is where more expensive properties are.
Often, just a postcode can be enough to price you out of a certain area, regardless of the actual property quality.
So it’s often a balancing act between finding an area you want to buy in and properties that match your requirements and budget.
Don’t waste time being counter-productive and searching in areas you simply can’t afford – you might miss something perfect for you somewhere else.
Future considerations
During your search, it may become clear that you can afford to buy in a certain area provided you make certain concessions.
For example, can you afford further investment once you’re in situ, whether that means extending a smaller property or renovating an outdated one.
And beyond financial outlays you’ll also need to think about things like local planning restrictions or whether you’ll have the time to commit to a ‘doer upper’.
And even if the home is perfect for now, remember to fully consider your future options:
- Are you planning to change work locations?
- Do you have young children below school age?
- Is your property likely to attract interest if you decide to sell in future?
Want to know more about moving house?
From when you first start searching to post completion, there are always things to consider to make your move easier.
If you’d like to talk to an experienced professional with local knowledge about your requirements, please get in touch today.