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15th Feb 2023|News|Sales|Lettings|New Homes|

What To Look For When Searching For A New Home

Searching for a new home, but not sure where to start? At Centrick, we’ve helped thousands of house hunters find their next property and understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in your search. That’s why we’ve listed the top five things you should look for when searching for a new home so that you can explore the property market with ease and find a property you love in no time!

A Home That Grows With You

Aim to find a home that can grow as you and your lifestyle develop.

As your life changes, your home will undoubtedly have to adapt with you. You may be looking to start a family, adopt a pet, or start working remotely, all of which will have an impact on the way you utilise your space. That’s why it is vital to look for a home that can change alongside you.

Consider looking at homes that could be extended, homes with open-plan and flexible living spaces, or properties with spare rooms, lofts and conservatories. The purpose of these spaces can change as your life and needs change, which means that you won’t have to worry about upping sticks if a certain aspect of your life changes.

A Neighbourhood To Love

Your home is more than bricks and mortar but constitutes the community around you.

Look beyond the reach of your four walls and consider the nearby amenities that make up your neighbourhood. Many house hunters will keep an eye out for:

  • Public transport connections
  • Supermarkets or convenience stores
  • Post offices
  • GP surgeries, dentists and vets
  • Schools and educational facilities
  • Cafes
  • Parks and green spaces

Look into neighbourhood initiatives too – many apartment blocks have community-driven gatherings and socials such as sports clubs and book clubs that can add to your residential experience. This will make your house a home!

Energy Saving Features

Keep a close eye out for features that can help you save money on your living costs.

With new EPC regulations coming into place in 2025, all properties will have to increase the standards of their energy efficiency. As such, many homebuyers are looking for energy saving features in their next property purchase. This need for energy efficient features is exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, with features such as smart meters, smart thermostats, double glazing and insulation all able to help homeowners save money in the long run. Finding a home with these features already built in can make it easier for you to save money in the future and be more mindful of your expenditure.

Modern Properties For Cost Efficient Living

New build properties come integrated with cost effective measures for cheaper living.

Besides saving you the time and effort of taking up home improvement projects, new government data indicates that buying a new home with advanced energy saving measures already in place can save owners an average of £2,600 per year. Better yet, 84%of new build homes had an EPC rating of B or higher, compared to 4% of existing properties. With new materials, technologies and tools at their disposal, builders can construct homes that meet the highest standards. It has even been indicated by the Home Builders Federation that up to 576,000 tonnes of carbon emissions can be saved by purchasing new build properties with energy efficient measures already included.

Look for the following features to save yourself time, effort and money:

  • New insulation to stop heat from escaping
  • Central heating systems – unlike boilers, these are less prone to sludge, which can cause breakdowns
  • Energy efficient lightbulbs as standard

Outdoor Space

Look for a home with low maintenance outdoor space that fits your needs.

Earlier, we mentioned having close proximity to parks and nature as a selling point for many prospective buyers when searching for a new home. However, those with families, pets, or simply a green finger may wish to look for a home with private garden access. Outdoor space not only adds value to your home in the long term, but can allow room for extensions, annexes, and outdoor facilities such as barbeques and play areas. They can also make good spaces for storage, with sheds and canopies being useful places to store your seasonal decorations and outdoor furnishings.

However, if you are interested in purchasing a property with outdoor space, make sure to look for a garden that is easy for you to manage if you’re not a keen gardener – otherwise, consider purchasing a home with a balcony or communal areas for low-maintenance external space.

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Are you searching for a new home?

Loving being at home starts with finding the perfect property for your needs. Whether you’re on the search for a large family house, a starter home to get you on the housing ladder, or a characterful period home that you can bring back to life – Centrick is here to help. With our regularly updated At Home With Centrick hub, we’re here to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about finding your next home and making it your perfect space. Contact our team for more information below:

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