Your Guide on What to Look for When Buying a House

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you're looking to move, buying a house is a significant milestone in your life and a massive investment. Choosing a house requires plenty of careful consideration and research to ensure you find the right home for you, and that you don’t end up having any regrets about moving into the wrong property.

Buying a house can be daunting, but we can help you make the right choice. Our experts have put together this clear guide on what to look for and what to check when buying and searching for a house.

As well as the overall condition of the property, pay attention to how much work a house will need to bring it up to the condition and appearance you’d want. Will you need to undertake building and renovation work? Or install a new kitchen and bathrooms?  

Will you need to redecorate the entire house right away, or can you live with the decor and make it your own slowly over time? These are all important questions to answer.

As well as the specifics of the houses you’re interested in buying, you also need to consider the location of those homes. Make sure the neighbourhood is safe, and the location gives you access to the amenities you’ll depend on for your desired quality of life. Consider:

• Local amenities and services

Research what local services and amenities are in the area of a home you’re considering. Look for shops, supermarkets, hospitals, doctors’ practices, parks, sports centres, and other local attractions. Easy access to these amenities can significantly impact your quality of life.

• Schools

One of the most important local amenities if you have school age children, or plan to start a family in the future.

It’s vital you research the schools that are local to any homes you’re considering, making sure they’re at least up to standard (i.e. have a “Good” Ofsted rating). If you want your kids to attend a particular state school, your house will have to fall within the catchment area of that school.

You can easily research local schools via the Ofsted site.

• Transportation links

Transportation links are essential for convenience and accessibility – for easily getting to jobs, schools, shopping sites, and other attractions and amenities. Check the availability of local public transport options, including buses and train lines. You can also easily assess local roadways using applications like Google Maps.

If you’ll be commuting or making daily school runs, it’s also a good idea to take some practice trips to get a good sense of how those journeys will feel.

• Crime rates and safety

 The safety of the area is obviously of paramount importance when choosing a new home. A range of websites can be found that provide crime statistics and reports by postcode, such as Crime-Statistics.co.uk. Try and speak to local residents too, if possible, to get a sense of the neighbourhood's safety.

•  Future developments

Try to investigate if any developments are planned in the regions around the homes you’re interested in. New developments can have a substantial impact on your quality of life and a property’s value, both positive and negative. A new leisure centre or tram line can be a boost, while a planned local sewage works won’t be.

You can find details of planned developments on the websites of local authorities, plus records of planning applications. Speak to your estate agent and solicitor too, as they’re often aware of regional developments.