A guide to choosing the perfect house
The purchase of a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life, and you should do some research to make sure you choose a home that is right for you today and tomorrow. To help you choose the perfect house, we outline the key aspects you should consider.
When buying a house, how do you choose the right one? Here are some of the key things to consider when house-hunting to find your ideal house, including the importance of location, planning for the future, keeping a practical eye, and being realistic about trade-offs.
Location, location, location
Finding the perfect area to live in is the first step in buying a home. Your community will likely be as important as your property if not more so.
When it comes to your property search, your budget and your ability to afford will be key deciding factors.
You will also want to consider the following factors when choosing a place to live:
Setting - whether urban, suburban, or rural
The time it takes to commute and the ease of getting around, as well as the transportation system
The location of shops and restaurants (if you place a high priority on this)
School quality if you are planning a future family
Nearby green spaces and parks
Long-term planning
If you are a first-time buyer, you might just want to get your foot on the property ladder.
Most people live in their homes for many years, so that needs to be taken into consideration. It is incredibly expensive to move frequently if you don't buy a future-proof home.
When you are looking for a home to buy...
Make sure it is a home you can grow into. Growing older tends to make people want more space
Do you have enough bedrooms, as well as a garden, if you are planning to have children? If you don't have children, living on the top floor of a block of flats might not be a problem, but it could be a problem with a pram
Consider future possibilities or changes you might be able to make to add space — Can you build into the loft or extend?
Take a risk
Owning a home almost always becomes steadily more affordable every year, other things being equal.
After a few years, the costs of furniture and home improvements decline.
You will almost certainly enjoy rising earnings throughout your life, unless you lose your job or stop working for some other reason.
Mortgage costs do not increase year after year, but only vary with interest rates. Consequently, your mortgage will become steadily more affordable over time.
In most cases, if you haven't experienced any personal setbacks since you bought a property, it may be more affordable after five years.
Trade-offs need to be considered
As you will have to make trade-offs, it is unlikely that you will find a property that has everything you want. It is also possible to take advantage of trade-offs:
It's cheaper to live near a busy road, but if you don't mind the noise, it may be a good investment
There are many people who don't want to live close to a school because of the playground noise, but if you are always out during school hours, it will not matter
The cost of off-street parking is high, but does it really reduce your car insurance costs?
A garden can cost more, but if you're not bothered about it, then it's not a good investment
Living in a flat above a shop could be the perfect solution if you don't have an enormous budget and want to be centrally located
Keep the fundamentals in mind
Identify what is superficial from what is fundamental. Here are some examples:
A property's total floor area cannot be changed, but the color scheme can
Are there plans to extend or convert the loft in the future?
The process of changing narrow corridors or awkwardly shaped rooms can be more challenging
Make use of a buying agent
It is possible to find a property that meets your needs, get access to properties before they are put on the market, and negotiate with a Buying Agent.
If you are particularly nervous about the home buying process, they can help you save time and give you more confidence. A Buying Agent represents you, not the seller. However, they aren't free.
Become familiar with the property as much as possible
Learn as much as you can about a property you are considering.
Get detailed information about the property from the estate agent.
You should take your time when viewing the property, making sure that the rooms are big enough, that there is enough natural light, and that the electrics, heating, windows, and roof are in good condition.
You should consider maintenance and service charges if you are buying a leasehold property.
Don't be afraid to ask your future neighbours. Tell them you're thinking about buying the house next door - they'll be happy to meet a prospective new neighbor. Likewise, if they're not, that tells you something
If you suspect there may be problems with the property, you can often contact the previous owners who have no vested interest in talking up the property.
What areas do Carpenter Surveyors cover?
Areas we cover:
Warwickshire, Worcestershire, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Derby, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Cotswolds and Northamptonshire.
Get a Quote from Carpenter Surveyors today.