Finding the perfect location for your next home isn’t just about looking at the most expensive postcodes. The key is to understand the type of lifestyle you lead and what things are important to you. You stand a much better chance of pinpointing the best location when you know exactly what you want.
First home or buy to let?
A fundamental difference but it’s surprising when you look at the things that are important to you compared to your rental market.
For example if you’re buying for yourself, then consider:
- Do I want to be near a lively social scene?
- Would I prefer a quieter environment?
- What amenities would I like within easy reach?
- How easy is it to commute to work?
If you’re buying to let, ask yourself:
- What is my rental market (e.g. students, professionals, families)?
- Which amenities are desirable to them?
- Are transport links important?
- Does the area offer what they need?
Here are some things to consider when you are reviewing an area.
Essentials
Whether it’s a busy city centre or the local village, every area has its hub of essentials. What’s well worth considering is the importance of each one to you, as well as how far you would travel to get to them. A few places to consider are:
- supermarkets
- petrol stations
- shops
- post offices
- chemists
- doctors
- dentists
- garages
- libraries
- gyms
Entertainment
A wide range of entertainment facilities is often a sign of a thriving community. But it’s worth considering how close you want to be with the potential extra noise and traffic. Potential noisy locations include:
- theatres
- art galleries
- restaurants
- pubs
- cinemas
Community groups
If you have an active sport or hobby, you may want to check if there’s an organised group in the area. These could include; sports teams, a local amateur theatre, allotment facilities or a church choir.
Transport links
If you and your family need to commute to work and school, think about the convenience of being close to any of the following:
- motorway networks
- trains
- tubes
- trams
- bus routes
School catchment area
Location has a direct influence on which school a child can attend. To see which schools are in which catchment areas, visit the GOV.UK website.
Undesirable Locations
There are other essential amenities and businesses which you may not want to live so close to. So it’s worth finding out where these are located:
- electricity pylons
- waste treatment works
- chemical plants
- busy rail routes
- main flight paths
Up-and-coming signs
If you’re hoping to make money in the long-term by buying in an up-and-coming area, there’s no fool-proof formula. But there are some classic clues to look out for:
- niche food chains like delis, independent boutiques, coffee shops and cafes
- new estate agent branches opening in the area
- new major road or rail links
- interest from property developers
- regeneration projects by local councils
We hope you found the above useful when planning your next move. Don’t forget once you’ve found that perfect home in the perfect location, lets us help you find the cost and priorities of any repairs. Our Building Surveys start from just £540. For more details please see our BUILDING SURVEY page or read one of our BUILDING SURVEY BLOG pieces.