The location of your home is important when buying a house. Visit neighbourhoods at different times during the day to get a sense of them.
Investigate local amenities such as schools, crime rates and pollution levels.
Track property prices and look for signs that an area is on the rise to get a better understanding of the market.
Why Location Matters
Your new home will be as important to you as your family and friends. Even if you have a general idea of where to live, it is important to keep your options open.
Exploring Areas
Visit at Different Times:
Try to visit the neighbourhood at different times and days.
Visit the area on weekdays, weekends and in the mornings or evenings.
Speak to locals for their perspectives.
Check Crime Rates:
You can get detailed crime statistics by visiting local police departments or websites such as data.police.uk.
Join social media groups and local newspapers to learn about local issues.
You may be surprised at how much your insurance rates will increase if crime increases.
Research Schools
Investigate the quality of primary and secondary schools in your area if you plan to have children. Make sure your potential home is within the catchment area for schools.
For the latest catchment information, contact schools directly. For help from Estate Agents Cheltenham, contact http://www.meandyouestateagents.co.uk
Local Amenities
Discover nearby restaurants, pubs, shops, banks and other services.
You should also consider your proximity to sports, libraries, cinemas and places of worship. You should check if you have easy access to a park, gym or leisure centre.
Transport connections
Try out your commute time to work or to school. Consider public transportation and parking options. Take into consideration the cost of parking and commuting.
Signs that an Area is Growing
You can also look for independent retailers and ongoing home improvement projects. A surge of young professionals may also be a sign that an area is undergoing a resurgence.
Property Price
You can use tools such as My Home to find out the value of your property and previous sales prices.
The House Price Index is a great tool to explore market trends and review house prices in specific areas.
It takes a lot of research and visits to find the perfect place to purchase a home. You can find the right neighbourhood for your needs and lifestyle by considering factors such as crime rates, schools and amenities.
