How to Choose an Area to Buy a Property
JChoosing where you're going to live is a very important decision - read our tips for choosing your new hometown.
Where to buy a house
To help you find the right place to buy a house, we outline some of the key factors to consider. With our local knowledge and market insight, we can help you find the location that's perfect for your lifestyle, preferences and budget.
To help you think about your priorities, here are some of the factors to consider:
1. Does it have the five 'p's - primary school, pub, parish church, post office, public transport? These are the basic requirements for many people. Some may be more important to you than others. Think about which ones you are prepared to compromise on.
2. Where can you afford to buy a house? Prices can vary considerably within quite small areas, or even from one street to the next, so ask our agents to recommend specific locations that are within your budget.
3. What type of area are you looking for? Do you want to be in a lively urban area with lots going on, or a quiet rural setting – or somewhere in between? Do you want to be able to walk to the shops? Do you want an area with lots of community activities, sports clubs and leisure amenities? Do you want to live within a certain commuting distance of your workplace?
4. Do you have children? If so, you'll need to look at local schools. Find out which catchment area you are in and whether schools are oversubscribed. An area with lots of other families is likely to have plenty of opportunities and facilities for children.
5. Think long-term. Don’t move to a place you will outgrow in a couple of years. Find out if there are if there are any major housing, business or transport developments planned, which could change the character of the area.
Let Preston Baker do the leg work
This may seem like a daunting list, but remember, when you're trying to find a property, our agents are on your side. It’s our job to understand your circumstances and priorities, so that we can help find areas and properties that meet your criteria. And because we are proactive and enthusiastic, we won’t just find houses that are already on the market – we’ll use our contacts to approach potential sellers, and even send letters to local residents to find out if anyone is looking to move.
If you want to buy a house in a specific area - we can help. By approaching potential sellers with homes not yet on the market, we can give you a head-start. Contact your local branch manager today to find out more.