Is a house move on your agenda this year?
If so, it can be a daunting prospect. Here we help you identify those non-negotiable must-haves so that you can focus your search on areas and properties that align with your requirements.
1. Location, location, location
You can change almost anything about your home, but you will never be able to change the location. Think carefully about what’s important to you and your family. Is it a shorter commute to work or its proximity to parks, playgrounds and schools? Consider neighbourhood amenities – shops, public transport, access to the motorway or any other essential services. Draw up a shortlist of possible suburbs, then visit these areas at different times of day to get a real sense of the neighbourhood. You don’t want to discover that what appeared to be a peaceful area on a Saturday morning turns into a party suburb on Saturday night!
2. Think long-term
Will that cosy, compact villa still meet your needs if you decide to start a family? It may not be your forever home, but it makes sense to choose one that meets your needs now and will also suit your short to medium-term needs. If you have family and friends who are likely to come and stay, it may be worth focusing your search on properties with a spare bedroom and an additional bathroom. Perhaps you are planning on working from home, in which case it’s a good idea to search for a home with a space that you can convert into a home office. When house hunting, try and anticipate your future needs as well as satisfying your current ones.
3. Decide what features are important
Older homes tend to have more architectural features but can be short on storage. Newer homes often have a bigger floor space but have smaller gardens. Think about what’s important to you and your lifestyle. Is natural light with lots of windows a priority? Perhaps it’s having room for your boat or trailer? Or maybe you need lots of storage space for your skis and snowboards? Taking the time to decide what features are important to you will help you to narrow your search criteria and save you time in the long run.
House hunting can be an exciting time, but it can also be exhausting and frustrating. Use these top tips to focus your search on the things that are important to you so that your experience is enjoyable rather than exasperating.