10 top tips to successfully search for your next home
Searching for your next home? Follow these tips to ensure finding your new home is simple and you won't miss out on the perfect property!
Looking for a new home is one of life's biggest and most exciting decisions. Whether you're a first-time buyer, upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, the process can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. To help you navigate your search with confidence, we've put together our top tips for finding the right home for you.
1. Know Your Budget
Before you start scrolling through listings, get a clear idea of what you can afford. Speak to a mortgage advisor or your bank to get a mortgage agreement in principle. This will give you an idea of how much mortgage finance you could borrow, so that you know exactly what price range to focus on. Don't forget to factor in costs like stamp duty, legal fees, moving costs, and potential renovations to avoid overspending on your purchase and having to compromise on other things further down the line.
2. List Your Priorities
What are your dealbreakers? Make a list of must-haves (e.g., number of bedrooms, outdoor space, location) and nice-to-haves (e.g., a fireplace, a home office, a large garden). Having a clear idea of your priorities will help you filter out unsuitable properties and focus on homes that truly fit your requirements and your lifestyle.
3. Research the Area
You're not just buying a house—you're buying into an area. Visit at different times of day, check local amenities, commute times, schools, and even factors such as mobile signal or broadband speeds. Chatting with locals or joining community Facebook groups can also offer great insights. You can make almost any alterations to a property, but you can't change the location, so make sure this works for you.
4. Be Realistic but Open-Minded
It's rare to find a home that ticks every single box. While you shouldn't compromise on essentials, try to keep an open mind. A home with potential might need a little work, but it could become your dream space with the right vision. Remember, how the property is presented, the furniture and decor, are not dealbreakers. It is essential to look past aesthetic issues, as the furniture and soft furnishings are most likely not included in the sale, and decor is relatively simple to change.
5. Set Up Alerts and Stay Organised
Rather than spending every day scrolling property websites so that you don't miss a new property listing, set up alerts with our team to keep you informed of all new instructions that meet your requirements and budget. Stay on top of what's coming to market and book viewings promptly. Use a spreadsheet or notes app to track the properties you've seen, your thoughts, and any follow-up actions.
6. Take Photos and Notes During Viewings
When you're viewing multiple homes, they can start to blur together. Take photos (with permission) and jot down your thoughts straight after each viewing. Pay attention to things like natural light, room sizes, storage space, and any signs of damp or disrepair that may affect any offer you decide to make. After your viewings and armed with your thoughts and notes, you can then compare each property and narrow down to a shortlist.
7. Ask the Right Questions
During viewings, don't be afraid to ask:
Why is the owner selling?
How long has the property been on the market?
What's included in the sale?
Are there any known issues with the property?
Getting honest answers can help you make an informed decision.
8. Think Long-Term
Try to picture how your needs might change over the next few years. Will the home still work if your family grows, or if you start working from home more? A little forward planning can help avoid the need to move again too soon.
9. Get a Survey
Once you've found a property you love, getting a professional survey is essential. It will highlight any structural or hidden issues that could cost you money in the future, and it can give you leverage in negotiations if repairs are needed.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, while logic and research are important, don't ignore your gut feeling. Sometimes a place just "feels right", or not - and that's something no checklist can capture.
Final Thoughts
House-hunting can be stressful, but it should also be exciting. With a clear plan and a calm mindset, you'll be in a great position to find a home that suits your needs, lifestyle, and future plans.
Get in touch with our friendly team of experts to set up alerts and make a start on searching for your new home.