It’s the start of a new year and with that brings the start of new beginnings. Whether that’s a new exercise regime, rethinking your career prospects or most exciting of all, searching for a new home. The property market in the UK has experienced a huge rise in demand and prices in the past two years, but according to a recent report from Halifax, they expect the property ‘boom’ to quieten down this year due to household finances being stretched across the country. So, could this year be the best year for you to make a move?
Finding the right home for you involves many factors, not just in terms of how much you can afford but figuring out all the requirements you need to make that home the perfect choice for you.
So, if you’re in the process of moving home or just starting your search, here are just a few things to consider and build up your wish list that will help ensure you find the perfect fit.
Location, location, location
It goes without saying that one of the biggest considerations when it comes to moving home is the location. No doubt you will already be set on where you want to live like being near family or just because you love the area and are familiar with it. The ideal location for your property depends on your personal circumstances, like being near a train station or other transport links for your work commute, near the best schools for your children, or if you love socialising, being next to all the best pubs and restaurants.
Your search radius may also be quite tight based on these considerations, especially when it comes to travel but sometimes you may need to add some wiggle room to your search area. Luckily, when you are setting up property alerts and doing your search online, you can set a radius for the location you are interested in. We’d always recommend making your area a little bit wider than you’d like, as you don’t want to miss out on a great property that is just outside your ideal area and could only add a short time to your travel.
Got an idea of where you want to live but not sure on the style of property? The s1homes ‘Get a Move On’ property personality quiz can help you find the perfect pad that suits you, whether you’re looking to rent or buy. Check it out at s1homes.com/rent/quiz
Match your style
It doesn’t take a property expert to know there are a range of different homes available, varying in style and age. Again, this will be totally depending on your personal taste but there are a few things to keep in mind. For older properties that have a more period style to them, you may find that they need modernised a bit more or are even total renovation projects. Things like electrics and plumbing may be of an older age and could require work to be brought up to standard, which means more money and a bit of inconvenience. But bear in mind that renovating a home comes with benefits, from becoming more valuable to simply being tailored to your exact taste and requirements. Newer properties can require less work, and merely need a lick of paint. Brand new developments can also be more eco-friendly and are ready to move into, so much less hassle, especially if you’re a first-time buyer and keen to get onto the property ladder quickly. There are pros and cons to buying both new and old properties so it’s definitely worth weighing these up when you’re doing your search.
Future potential
When searching for your next property it’s worthwhile thinking a few years into the future too. Of course, we don’t expect you to get your crystal ball out but think about your life plans in the next 5 years or so. Are you planning on having a family and could do with more space? Could it be made bigger with an extension further down the line, but your budget doesn’t stretch to that at the moment? Does your job move around a lot and this property could be a rental investment? Are you retiring soon and downsizing but need to think about accessibility in say 10 years’ time? Buying a property is a huge disrupter in life, not just moneywise but also with your time, so consider what your requirements are for right now, and how that can change a few years down the line. Will this home be the right fit then?
Make your property wish list
Like any big decision in life, making a plan of action, or a wish list in this case, of all your requirements is a good start. Include all the big things that are non-negotiable, like location, number of rooms, and then add in some smaller things that you could either live without or compromise on.
But the best thing to do is also keep an open mind. Setting up property alerts at s1homes.com means you’ll get all the latest new properties within your criteria sent directly to you. Even if something comes in that doesn’t quite fit on paper, give the agent a call and talk through your reservations. It may be worth a viewing after all.
For all the best properties for sale and to rent in Scotland, visit s1homes.com today.