Your budget
Work out how much you can afford
to spend on your new house - a newly built house will require
furnishings and older properties
could require refurbishments such as re-flooring, tiling,
re-wiring or roof repairs. Don't forget to consider other fees
such as
conveyancing and stamp duty.
Take an experienced home-owner
to your viewings
When looking at a new property always take
an experienced home buyer, such as one of your parents or a
home-owning friend, along
with you. If this is difficult to organise for the initial
viewing you can always make arrangements to go back and
view the property
with an adviser.
Budget for utilities after you have moved
in
Remember to budget for expenses such as council
tax, gas and electricity bills, boiler servicing, and other home
repairs.
Calculate new transport costs
Bear in mind that
your transport arrangements will probably change so make sure
you check the availability
and cost
of public transport
services and consider socio-economic factors that
might lead to increases in your car insurance, for example
schools, crime rates etc.
Check your commute
Don't forget to check available
routes to work, shops, and schools if necessary, from your
new property.
It might be
very busy during
rush hour and traveling during this time could
double the length of your journey.
If possible
try to find somewhere to live that is close to your main place
of work. Commuting
is often
one
of the biggest
household
expenses and if you need to spend time on
domestic chores or DIY when you move in, reducing time
spent commuting
allows more time for these things.
Check local
amenities
Make a note of the local amenities before
making any final decisions about where
to move and
have a look
around the
local area and
make a note of where the key facilities
are.
