Buying tips

Location, location, location

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The area where you live will be at least as important as the property itself:

• Find a property for sale in places that interest you.
• Look at average prices by property type and Actual property prices to see how much properties have actually sold for in the area.
• Try several local estate agents to find the combination of price and service that suits you.

Research the area as thoroughly as you can

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• Explore the whole area, not just streets you might live on.
• Visit at different times - is it a quiet road at 6pm but full of noisy people when the pubs close?
• Look at local crime figures.
• Does the local council deliver good and valued services? See how their performance measures up.
• Our neighbourhood profiles give an insight into the likely demographics, lifestyle and consumer choices of the neighbours.
• Ask residents for tips, advice and grass roots opinion using our Conversations message boards.
• Read local news stories online.
• Are key services on your doorstep or far away? My essentials will tell you.

Weigh up the options

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• Make a list of the pros and cons for each area.
• Use our compare option: the difference in average prices or council tax could decide where you live.
• Decide what your deal-breakers are. The local school or transport options may be key.
• Get a full picture of the local property market with a property report.

Think long term

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What factors might affect your investment in the future?

• Check with the council’s planning department for details on any proposed developments in the area.
• Compare mortgage deals: make sure you get an option that will work for you long term.

Your new home

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• Buy a title plan and property register for houses you're interested in before you make an offer (£2 each). A plan defines the property and a property register tells you who owns the house, the price paid, any loans secured against it and any rights of way across the land.
• Compare deals on Home insurance for your new property
• A property survey will put your mind at ease when buying a new home and uncover any potential problems with a property before you make your purchase.
• Double check that any building works such as extensions have the correct planning permission and conform to building standards
• If you have a car, check on parking permission.
• Find out all you can about your neighbours from the vendors.
• Use our Conversations service to get views and advice from the neighbours.