Whether you are a first-time buyer or are considering moving to another property, it’s very important that you are in a position to make an informed decision about your specific property requirements. You need to achieve the right balance between affordability, availability and suitability.

Start by making a list and detail exactly what you want from your new property. It may seem very obvious but this will provide you with a checklist beginning with the location through to other considerations such as local amenities. This can help save you both time and money during the decision-making process. A typical checklist would include the following points:

The decision-making checklist

Accessibility – Are your family and friends nearby? Is it convenient for work?

Facilities – Is it handy for shops, restaurants, parks and the cinema? Can you park easily?

Noise – Are you likely to have juggernauts rumbling past your bedroom at 3am?

Schools – Is the local one any good? Is the home within its catchment area? Check with the school itself.
Space – If you are buying a home you want to live in for a while, make sure there is space for the family to grow.
Crime – Find out from the police what the area is like. Have a look at the local paper to get a feel for the area.
Specialist websites, such as Upmystreet.com will provide more information on crime or schools in a particular area. Finally, there are many factors affecting your choice of home but location should be your number one consideration. You can always improve your property but you can’t move it.