Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions we can ever make – and getting it right can be really difficult. How is it possible to know what the right decision is when we only get to visit the houses we’re considering briefly? Wouldn’t it be better if we got to live in them for a month to help us decide!
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. So here, we’ve put together a list of five important things for you to keep in mind when you’re on your house hunting adventure – in no particular order.
- Location
The old adage is true – when you’re moving home, location is everything. After all, what’s the point of an amazing property which has no access to schools or any local amenities? Just having a nice house is not the be all and end all of having a comfortable life, and it’s all about making sure that your new house actually fits into your life. Is it near enough to your work? Within driving distance of close friends and family? Make sure this important consideration doesn’t fall by the wayside.
- Price
Yes, we know this one sounds obvious – but it’s so easy to be tempted out of your budget when you’re seeing a lot of properties, many of which are appealing. But just because you come across what feels like a dream house, doesn’t mean you should throw your budget calculations out of this window – this can lead to years of unmanageable mortgage payments and debt which may not be worth it. Think carefully before adjusting your price range!
- Potential
Although it is important to ensure your new home has all the key features you need and is within your price range, you shouldn’t overlook places that aren’t in great condition. Taking on what some call a fixer-upper can be a great opportunity to improve a property and sell it at a higher price down the line or, if you intend for it to be your forever home, to gradually transform it into your dream property over the years without paying a premium for the property in the first place.
- Important features
Although it’s easy to get sidetracked into houses that are cheaper or have an extra bathroom, make sure these aspects don’t distract you from what you consider to be important aspects of your new home. For example if a downstairs bathroom is really important to you because you have relatives with accessibility requirements, then a cheaper home with only upstairs facilities may not be the right choice. Before you start looking, you should make a list of non-negotiable features; any house that doesn’t meet these criteria doesn’t make the cut, regardless of what else it may bring to the table.
- Character
Though generally speaking, any home will do just as well as the next one, we know that in practise this isn’t true. You need a home that reflects who you are and the kind of life you lead – for example, if you’re a family who likes to chat while you cook, a house with a closed plan kitchen and living area isn’t for you. If you’re someone who loves a quirky, old timey feel, then somewhere that is all white paint and glass probably won’t float your boat. Make sure you find something that feels like you!
Getting this decision right is important to you, your future, and your bank account – but that doesn’t make it easy. So we hope this list of five important things to look for when moving house helps you to keep your decision making process on the straight and narrow.
