Top Tips For House Hunters

There is nothing quite like the feeling of being handed the keys to your new home.

Whether you’re a first time buyer, looking for more space to accommodate a growing family or downsizing, we’ve put together a list of top tips for house hunters to consider when looking for your dream home:  

Consider your priorities

Kirstie and Phil were right; it’s all about location, location, location. Whether it’s proximity to schools and work, outdoor space or great transport links, draw up a list of your top priorities when it comes to location. Although house hunting can require some flexibility, having an idea of what is and isn’t negotiable is a good way to streamline the process.

Consider the type of property you’d like to live in: do you want a town house, a detached or perhaps a semi? A property on a new development can provide the perfect home for families, as they are often designed with communities in mind.

Downsizers will also enjoy plenty of benefits when living in a new home, such as a welcoming neighbourhood and less of the maintenance costs of living in an older house – so that new residents can enjoy a new phase of life, stress free!  

Be aware of your credit rating

This may seem like common sense, but despite having your deposit sorted, your credit score has a big impact on whether or not you’ll be approved for a mortgage. Make sure that credit cards and other bills are paid back in good time, and reel back on any frivolous spending.

If you have any queries about the process, visit an independent advisor who can help simplify any jargon and give practical advice on how to secure a mortgage.

Keep an eye out for schemes and incentives

Whether you are a first-time buyer or not, there are a number of incentives available to help you secure that ideal property.

If you only have a small deposit, government-backed schemes such as Help to Buy and Help to Buy (Scotland) can offer an equity loan of up to 20% in England and Wales and 15% in Scotland on eligible homes, helping you get on to or move up the property ladder.

If you’re looking to sell your previous home, our Part Exchange or Assisted Move options can help take the uncertainty and stress out of moving. With these we can help get your old property on the market and make your dream home a reality.

More information about how we can help you move can be found in our offers.  Just remember, with any incentive or scheme there is likely to be a qualifying criteria so you will need to check your eligibility before applying and also that the incentive or scheme is available on the plot you are specifically interested in.

Make sure you’re within your means

You’ll no doubt have a plan about how your mortgage is going to get paid every month, but it’s also important to consider what could happen if the unexpected arises. For example, do you have a plan in place for a new addition to the family, or any unexpected bills or costs that might crop up?

A mortgage is a big financial commitment, so it is always best to plan for unexpected changes in your life situation. To work out how much you’ll need to set aside monthly for repayments, why not use our handy mortgage calculator.

We know that moving home marks the start of an exciting new chapter, and we make it our top priority to make sure that you’re happy in your new home. To find out more about our homes, visit our website.