What interests you into a certain area when looking to purchase a home?
Posted by stealth941@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments
So I'm in the position now where I'm saving hard for a deposit and consolidating some... stuff but as a born and bred londoner who doesn't want a flat who wants a house with his wife and future kids, what helps you look to the right location?
What research do you get upto and how long is that process in itself?
E.g. besides price being a main factor, good schools? Neighbourhood?
How do you even begin to figure this stuff out and what shows its a good neighbourhood? I guess I'm asking where the hell do I start but what's your experience during this process??
FigTreeRest@reddit
Proximity to grocery stores, rail/bus stations, quietness and greenness. A huge plus if it’s got parks, forests, trails within walking distance.
On the cost side, I’m looking at council tax band and EPC rating.
Size of the house also matters. And ideally off street (don’t like the noise, pollution, etc). Neighborhood watch is a bonus.
Upside potential and future development plans of the area, region, neighborhood.
Typically, it’s better to buy a more run-down house in a great area than an excellent house in a crap area.
Ideally near a big city, to have access to shopping, hospital, airport, etc.
Cunthbert@reddit
Mine is basically just somewhere close to where I grew up. I’ve lived in 6 different houses all within a couple of miles maximum from each other.
MoodyMango4880@reddit
Ok first things first work out your budget and mortgage. Then use that to narrow down areas, otherwise you’ll end up loving something that’s out of your price range. Then decide what is most important to you in a local area, if you want kids consider schools and commutes etc.
Then use your knowledge as a Londoner to narrow down areas
adamlbrown3@reddit
Quiet, no background car noise. Leafy and clean. well kept gardens, birdsong. Streets I'd feel safe my kids biking down. Nice pubs, schools and parks within a short walk. Decent public transport links
GlitchingGecko@reddit
Where is the closest Pokéstop?
Oh, and also this - https://www.police.uk/pu/your-area/metropolitan-police-service/junction/?tab=CrimeMap
SlowRs@reddit
Kind of depends where you want to be. A area could have the best schools but have nothing else going for it then would be a no go.
Is it an entirely new city? New area within the city? Close to work? Do you have any prior ideas/knowledge of where you would like within the city etc.
stealth941@reddit (OP)
I'm thinking Essex originally good links to London but not too sure. Need to figure out what max mortgages will be which areas are friendly.. there's a lot to think about
angels-and-insects@reddit
For me, in approx order of importance: * Flood risk (quite specific to our area) * Green spaces and whether they'll stay * Bus route * Noise levels of nearby roads, train lines, venues, etc (I once rented opposite a massive night club. Lesson learnt.) * Whether there's a coffee place, pub, and corner shop in walking distance (convenient and adds community)
OkPea5819@reddit
Independent shops, nature, activities, schools.
ShinyHeadedCook@reddit
Crime statistics
Distance from my important places (gym, work, family)
Useful things nearby
CranberryCheese1997@reddit
I used to care about crime statistics. But pretty much ever serial killer documentary seems to take place in a small quiet town or city where nothing ever happens and until this one terrifying 6 months.
lady_is_a_one@reddit
I guess you work in London, so need to commute?
But overall, I walk around the town or village and get a feel. Visit the local pub, see what the locals are like. Check out the crime stats. Check the local OFSTED report. Public transport links. Maybe join the local community on Facebook to see if they hold little village markets or stuff like that that’s nice …
Doomergeneration@reddit
Good dogging spots
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