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Tips For Finding The Right Neighbourhood
TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT NEIGHBOURHOOD
Whether you have lived in an area for years or have newly arrived, searching for a home in the right location can be tricky. Email4property.co.uk, the UK’s largest online network of estate agents, suggests making a five point check list to make sure the home of your dreams lives ups to its expectations.
1. Research the local area Start with a Google search and see if it leads you to sites with real information about the area and look at Google Street View to check out the roads in and around the property. Nothing beats word of mouth information. Ask difficult questions of estate agents and friends: are prices here above or below average, are crime rates low, is there a good hospital or school. It all depends on what you need. Even consider the weather – some places are wetter or less sunnier than average, or more prone to flooding. Is there a church community or is the local pub more a hub and meeting place?
2. Check transport links A good or improved train service can add 20%-30% to the price of a house that’s less than 20 minutes from a main line station. The new fast speed trains from Kent have helped boost property prices around the towns and the surrounding villages. How close is the tube, tram, overland station, bus route, major road? Having a bus stop outside your house may be a plus point but it could also be a problem with litter, noise and privacy. Time your commute to work. Does the mini-roundabout jam up in the morning on a regular basis?
3. Local amenities and schools Schools are a major factor for home buyers. Access to a good grammar, secondary or private school can add at least 20% to the price of a property in catchment areas where appropriate. League tables are a start but ask the local agents – not just the one you are buying through. What amenities do you really need? Make a list and tick off what’s important to you. But be flexible because not everything is possible.
4. What is the area like during peak times? Some quiet roads can turn into rat-runs during peak hours or the school drop-off can block your road twice a day. Are you near a busy pub or football ground which grid-locks the area for home games and potentially reduces the value of your home. Always visit a prospective home at least twice during different times of the day and at the weekend. Check for major developments in the area which can cause noise, dust and aggravation. Will parking be a problem for more than one car.
5. Know your neighbours While you can always ask the vendors if they have had any trouble with the neighbours, become your own detective. Check for tell tale signs of trouble – broken down cars in the drive, barking “guard” dogs, loud music or graffiti. If in any doubt, check with the local council to see if there are any ASBOs in place on your potential new neighbours, even “quiet” streets can have unruly residents. Otherwise get to know them by introducing yourselves as soon as possible.
Steve Lees, Head of Marketing at email4property.co.uk, said: “Good agents are worth their weight in gold to start your questioning but it’s up to you to do your own detective work too. Considering that for most people buying a home is the most expensive purchase of their lives, you should make sure there are no nasty surprises lurking round the corner, before you commit to the sale. Following a simple checklist will give you peace of mind early on in the process and avoid you buying someone else’s costly mistake.”
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Article date: 1/29/2010 12:00:00 AM