How To Find The Right Home For You

Whether you’re moving into your first rental property, purchasing your first home, or looking for your next place to call home – here’s a few of Centrick’s top tips to help you find the right home that suits your needs.

Set Out Your Criteria

The property world can be overwhelming, even if you are a seasoned investor or are familiar with the dynamics of moving house. This is why you should set out on your journey with a clear understanding of what you’re looking for to help you find the right home. You should be aware of what your dealbreakers are, and what you’re willing to compromise on. Consider:

• Price
• Location and proximity to work and family
• Parking
• Number of bedrooms
• Outdoor space
• Time to move/chain
• Funds for renovation in resale properties

Do Your Research

When you are on the search to find the right home, it is important that you understand that your home is far more than just bricks and mortar: your home is inextricably linked to the broader community in which it sits, which is why it is vital that you research the neighbourhoods surrounding the properties you are interested in. Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider:

• Are there ample routes for you to commute towards family, friends and work?
• Is the area deemed safe by locals? It may be worth looking at local crime statistics to determine whether you’ll feel safe in your new home
• Are the local schools given good Ofsted approvals? Whether you have children or not, this may be something worth considering as it can be a good reflection on the wider community
• Are there ample leisure activities such as parks and sports clubs to get involved in? These can be great opportunities to get to know your new community

Browse A Variety Of Portals

Don’t just stick to looking on Rightmove or Zoopla. Although the vast majority of homes will be listed on the aforementioned platforms, it is certainly worth asking your local estate agency if they have any properties due to come on the market or if there are any promising developments in the pipeline that may be worth waiting for. It can be worth exploring off-plan units by looking on developers’ websites if you are in no rush to move in to your next home: these units can offer greater energy efficiency, flexibility when it comes to interior design and layout, and can offer the most modern features.

Don’t Make Rash Decisions

Finding the right home for you is not a task to be taken lightly. Purchasing or renting a property is a significant investment which will take up a large portion of your income and time: after all, you will likely be spending more time in your home than anywhere else, so it is important that you find a place that you love. Take your time, do your research, and do not be rushed by pushy agents looking to secure a sale.

Try to avoid just watching virtual tours, and instead go and visit the property in person and explore the neighbourhood yourself – nothing can replicate the impact of physically visiting the property you are interested in, with many prospective home movers relying on a positive ‘gut feeling’ before they agree to purchase or rent their next property. This also gives you an opportunity to talk to the locals about what they think about their community – they will be able to provide you with genuine, unbiased advice which can help you make the most informed decision. Lastly, only put an offer in on a home or sign a tenancy agreement if you are certain it is right for you, and you are certain you can afford it in the long run. Consider this – do you have enough money in your savings to cover your mortgage or rent for a matter of months should you run into an emergency situation where you need to stop working? If not, you may wish to re-evaluate your budget.

Plan For The Future

The home you need now may not be the right home for you in the future. You may adopt pets, have children, change jobs, require extensions – all of which will have an impact on where you live and the space you have at your disposal. This is why you ought to be mindful of what your future plans are, and whether your next home is able to accommodate this. This is a primary reason why many property purchasers choose houses over flats, with houses being more flexible in terms of extensions and available garden space.

Ready To Get Moving?

Whether you are looking for your next rental property, investment unit, or first property purchase – At Home With Centrick is here to ensure that your next property related decision is a success. We have created the At Home hub with the aim of helping people on their property journey, no matter which stage they are at. With advice ranging from how to slice your energy bills, what home design trends should be on your radar, and how to expedite the sale of your property, there’s sure to be something for you.

Looking for more tailored advice? Fill out the form below and a member of the Centrick team will be in touch: