Location has long been the most important factor when buying a new home, although other factors are quickly becoming a priority. However, buying a property in the wrong location can impact on your quality of life, so has to be one of the main considerations.
Prior to searching for a new home, draw up a list of things which are important to you in your new home. This may include the likes of availability of public transport, the time taken to travel to work or school, or distance to friends and relatives. You may want specific amenities to be available, like shops or a decent restaurant, or a local pub.
Once you have decided on the area you would like to live in, consider the other requirements you may have for your home. If peace and quiet is important to you, you may want to consider a home which is situated a little way from any neighbours. If you have young children, you may want a home which has a secure fence, to keep them safe.
Your solicitor will carry out local searches, which should raise any potential problems so make sure you look at these carefully. There are also websites available where you can type in a postcode and find out lots of information about a street and the local area.
Buying a new home is a huge investment, and time should be taken to decide where you want to live, as it could be for many years. A mortgage advisor spends a considerable time studying on a CeMAP course and they have lots of information which may help you to decide.
