Looking for your new home
Decide exactly what your requirements are – remember that your circumstances might change – starting a family or having more children will have a big impact.
Make a room by room checklist to see if what you’re looking at can meet your needs, or can be made to meet your needs.
Budget sensibly. Too big a mortgage may mean you have to make compromises elsewhere such as holidays or in your social life.
Think carefully before buying somewhere that needs a lot of work, it can be a huge commitment if DIY’s not your favourite pastime, budget for someone to help.
Bigger properties not only cost more to buy but also normally cost more to run. You may find new build properties as they should be cheaper to run and maintain.
Visit the area at different times of the day.
Try to meet your potential neighbours.
Here’s a quick checklist.
- Area
- Distance to work and quality of local transport if required.
- Quality of schooling if required.
- Quality of local shops and restaurants.
- Transport links (e.g. to visit friends or relatives).
- Other important amenities (e.g. local parks or leisure options).
- Type of property.
- Affordability.
- Will you be able to afford the heating, other maintenance and on-going costs including Council Tax?
- Are you looking for a flat or a house or a bungalow?
- If a house, are you looking for detached, terraced or semi?
- Are you looking for something old or new?
- How many bedrooms do you need?
- What is the size of the garden?
- Does it have a garage?