Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make so it’s important to find the perfect property that has everything that you’re looking for. However, it isn’t always easy to know what you want or how to find it. Here are some top tips on how to pick the right property for you.
Research
Before you start viewing properties and planning decor, you should spend some time researching.
The first step is to figure out your budget. You’ll need to know how much you can afford to borrow, and how much you can feasibly save towards a deposit against the mortgage.
You’ll also want to consider the availability of property in the locations you’re considering, how quickly it gets snapped up and how competitive the market is.
Choose Your Location
Location is key to any property search. After all, there’s no point in finding the perfect home if it’s hundreds of miles away from your job, family, and friends!
Think about the areas you’d be happy to live in, and if they’re unfamiliar, take some time to visit at different times of day. You could even pop into local shops, cafés or bars to get a feel for what the place is really like or do a practice run to your place of work to get a realistic idea of your future commute.
Think Long-Term
Buying a home is very different to renting one. As a renter, you typically have the option to quickly and easily move on in 6-12 months depending on your tenancy agreement, but selling a house can be a more time-consuming process.
That’s why it’s vital to plan ahead for the long term when buying. If you have any big changes planned in the near future, for example, taking up a new job or relocating, then now might not be the best time to buy. If you’re planning on having or growing your family in the next few years then make sure your new home will have enough space to accommodate your family as it grows.
Property Type
Finally, you’ll want to consider property types. For some, this might mean weighing up the pros and cons of a flat vs a house or considering whether to semi-detached or detached houses. You may even have specific needs, for example, single-level living such as a bungalow or ground floor flat if you have a long-term health condition or disabilities.
Some buyers also have fixed ideas about the style of property they’re looking for, whether that’s a preference for new-builds or a love of Victorian terraces. New build properties are more energy efficient and come with a range of perks, such as building warranties and help-to-buy schemes. However they can come at a premium and for buyers looking to add value to a property, this can prove a challenge.
Generally speaking, if you’re looking for modern, a new-build home is the way to go. If you’re looking for history and architectural features, an older home will suit you better.
If you’re unsure, then viewing different types of properties in the area you want to live can help you compare and contrast and get a better feel of what you’re looking for in your ideal home.
