When it comes to purchasing property, be it your first or fifth, you can lose hours, if not days, scrolling through listings looking at “bright spacious kitchens”, “sun-filled south-facing gardens”, or homes with “potential in need of modernisation” and after a while they all start to blend into one and they start to sound the same. 

And when you go to see one in person, it’s nothing like the pictures or the description, and you’re left understanding if you’re even speaking the same language and end up Googling “how to translate estate agent speak”

Buying a home isn’t easy, nor should it be, and there’s a lot to consider, from potential planning and calculations for future developments, interest rates, and whether you’ll like your neighbours or can park your home without upsetting anyone.

Let’s take a look at what to think about before you buy your next property.

Remove Fantasy, Think Real Life

Forget those “nice to haves” and the wish list demands. When looking for a new property, you need to be realistic about how it will fit your life. Is it on the school run, or will you need to leave half an hour earlier to get there? Sure, the postcode is desirable, but if you can’t get to the local shops for a pint of milk or some dog food when you run out, is it such a great location? 

Is the foot traffic high? Are you on transport routes? Does the layout work for you? It can be all too easy to fall for the dream property in the wrong location, and suddenly, when you own it, the realisation hits you.

You want a local estate agent who knows the area and helps you uncover how the new place will work for you before you put in an offer. You need people on your side to find a suitable property for sale based on your needs, not just your wants, and ensure you are not making a huge mistake.

Look Past The Glitter 

You know the “glitter”, the bits of the listings that make the property sparkle and stand out. Every seller wants their property to look its best, but presentation isn’t the same as condition, and the presentation is what gives a property the “glitter” to make it stand out.

When going to viewings, look past the new features. A new kitchen can hide faulty wiring, and fresh paint can cover damp. Look past the surface and try to see what’s lurking beneath. Open cupboards, check room temperatures, look at the window frames and how doors close. It’s not the fun bit, but it’s what will help you make the right decision.

Think Future

When buying your next property, think about the future. Is your plan to live here forever? Or just for a few years? Are you planning to grow your family? Will your working situation change? Is there enough space if you suddenly need to work from home? Can you grow into the property?

These are important questions to ask, as well as uncovering any potential plans for the neighbourhood. Is there any new building work in the pipeline that might impact your property, i.e., a new development that overlooks you? The more you know, the more you can determine if it’s going to be the right move or a huge mistake.