Choosing the Perfect Area for a House to Buy

Posted by The Landsite on 19th July 2023 -

If you’re looking for a house to buy, you likely already know that one of the hardest parts of the process is finding the right area. Before you even begin looking for homes, you should probably look for the ideal area because if you get this choice wrong, you may end up moving again sooner than you think. 

Start with Affordability

One of the best things you can do as you look for an area that has great homes for sale is to select an area that is affordable. Think about how much you want to spend for a home and how much you can afford to buy. Then use property websites like Rightmove and Zoopla to see a few different areas where the properties tend to match your needs. Keep in mind that city centres tend to be far more expensive than outside of the city and big places like London are expensive across the board. Within an given area, though, prices can vary quite widely as one street may be quite a bit more expensive than another. 

Consider Property Type

The next step is to think about the kind of property you want. If you’re looking for something historic, you’re going to be pretty specific about the areas where those properties exist. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for newer builds, you’ll likely want to live in other spaces. Additionally, you may need to think about whether you want a flat, a detached home, a terraced option, or even a bungalow. The UK has lots of different options, and finding the one that is going to best meet your needs can help you better select the area. 

Consider the Amenities

Another factor you’ll want to consider is the amenities in a given area. Perhaps you want to be in a space with lots of life, shops, restaurants, and businesses. Maybe, on the other hand, you’ll want to simply be close to a great pub. It could also be that you want to prioritise transport links so you can lessen your commute time. If you have kids, things like green spaces and good schools must be part of your thought process. Don’t forget, though, to think about council tax rates and local crime rates as you begin to make a list of areas that might meet your needs. 

Visit the Area!

The single most important step you can take as you begin building a list of areas that you would consider is to spend some time in that space. Take a Saturday and wander the area. Remember that your home is your biggest investment, so you’ll probably spend years in that space. You want to be sure you actually feel happy while you’re there. Visit the green spaces. Take a trip through the pubs. Walk through the shops. As you do so, think carefully about whether you can feel yourself frequenting these spaces. Think, too, about the demographics you see around you. If you have a fairly young family, you’ll want younger families around you so your children will have playmates. Don’t forget to test your commute. How easy or difficult is it to actually get to work. 

If You Still Don’t Know . . .

If you’re considering a certain area, but you’re still not quite sure it’s right for you, now may not be the best time to find a house to buy. Instead, you may want to consider renting a home in the area first. While that may seem like a step backward, the reality is that renting first can help you better understand both what you like about the area and what you dislike about the area. That will help give you time to understand the space. If you rent for a year and love it, find a home around the area that will help you stay there. If you rent for a year and you decide you hate it, it may be time to begin your search for the perfect area all over again. 

The Perfect Area

Remember that the perfect area is going to be a good value for you. You’re likely to want things that are a bit different than others, so if you fall in love with a space, start searching for the right house to buy there. 

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