Your requirements

We all have dream properties, but for most the reality of choosing a home to spend a large chunk of your monthly salary on is very different. You need to be sure that the property meets your current and future requirements. Make a list of what's important to you and decide what you could compromise on if necessary.

Use this as a guide, but don't forget to add your own personal needs to it. And remember, you probably won't be moving again anytime soon so think about how your circumstances may change in the next few years.

• How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
• Do you prefer old or new?
• Do you want a home ready to move into or do you want a property you can redecorate or renovate?
• Do you need a garden, garage or parking?
• Where do you want or need to live? Think about practical issues like transport, commuting times and nearby schools and amenities.
• What type of property are you looking for? If total peace and quiet is important to you, you probably shouldn't consider a flat or terrace.
• Are you downsizing or expanding?

We've created a printable property checklist of the different things you should consider. If you are buying with your partner, you may want to order things by priority and determine what's most important to both of you.

Also don't forget to note the things you aren't able or willing to budge on.