Trying to search for a home that ticks all of your boxes can be difficult, especially if the ones you like are out of your price range or in the wrong location.
There are plenty of properties in the UK available on the market, from stunning new build homes with charming communities to older properties in rural areas – but how do you know whether the location or the property itself is more important for you?
We take a look at some of the most important factors to bear in mind when searching for a home that’ll hopefully make the decision a little easier.
How long do you intend to stay in the property?
Firstly, ask yourself whether this move is going to be a short-term or long-term thing. Perhaps it’s your first time on the property ladder and would prefer an upgrade in the future? Maybe you’ve got a specific location in mind but could see yourself changing your mind eventually?
If you really want to live in a certain area but don’t have the money yet, consider properties that need more work done on them. While this isn’t ideal, you have a better chance of getting a great deal and it could be a good investment opportunity.
However, if you have lived in the area for a while and are moving house for independence or are choosing your retirement home, you’ll likely be looking for a long-term purchase. In this case, go with a property that you know you’ll love for years to come, but also a location where you feel safe and there are plenty of amenities nearby.
Where do you work?
Another important factor to think about is where or how you will work. If you’re thinking of working from home full-time or part-time, search for a property that is close to your office space may not be as much of a necessity.
By living somewhere outside of the city or in an area that is more affordable, you can get more for your money. You can use the money saved on designing a stylish and productive home office space instead, helping keep you motivated.
Alternatively, if you anticipate heading into your place of work on a regular basis, you may consider living closer and paying that bit more. Commuting can affect your work-life balance and quality of life – you don’t want to spend each day travelling for hours on end.
Do you have a family or are planning to start one?
If you’re moving home and have young children or are thinking of starting your family soon, several factors will come into play when house hunting. For example, you’ll probably want to be inside the catchment zone for a local school. Being close will also be useful for getting them to school safely and on time each day.
In this case, location plays a pivotal role in your decision. However, some parents will move temporarily to live inside these zones for the years that their children are at school and will eventually move when the time is right.
