Thinking of moving in Spring? What SIX things you can do now to get ahead

If moving is on the agenda, there is plenty you can do now to get a head start on your search.  In terms of looking, most house hunters simply sign up for alerts on property search portals and regularly check their inbox for possible options but in today’s market that is not enough if you want to secure your dream home.  

Moving house is more than just the physical house with many other elements to consider. For a move to be successful the following need to be fully researched:

• Area
• Commute
• Schooling
• Social amenities
• Essential house requirements
• Local estate agents

Research your chosen area

In terms of location which roads are the sought-after and which ones should you avoid? Check proximity to major road links. For the possibility of airplane noise check the Noise Map here.

Where are the local shops and restaurants? Would you prefer to be in a village or a town? Do you need to be within a certain area for school catchment? Chiltern Relocation offers Free Area Guides online with detailed information about a wide range of towns and villages in Bucks, Berks, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire.

What about commuting?

Often families approach us keen to live the rural dream but the reality of commuting times – and therefore time away from home and the family – is important to factor into consideration. Are you happy to drive to a station every morning, find parking and drive back in the evening or would you prefer to be able to walk or cycle? How long is your commute at the other end? These are all questions that need addressing before you can consider which areas to choose. Refer to our commuter train times guide for detailed information on optimal travel times.

Schooling

If you need school places then this is the perfect time to do your homework.  When looking at schooling options you need to consider catchment areas, so take a close look at maps provided by the council and check statistics from previous years if you are keen for a state primary, secondary or grammar school place.

One good source of information is Locrating.com  this gives you information on catchment, Ofsted, admissions and more. If you are looking for independent schools we recommend you look at ISI for more in depth information.

Area is also key in terms of transport – are you close to a school bus route, how long is the journey and what time does the bus pick up from the desired area? Also is there space on the bus? We always advise our clients with very young children to think ahead to the secondary years when making a house move to ‘futureproof’ the move. A delightful primary school in a rural village is charming but if there are no secondary options it could mean another house move and upheaval.

Social amenities

Are you a family of keen tennis players or golfers or do you just want access to great dog walking areas? It is important to research local amenities and how they can cater to your needs. How often do you dine out or go to the cinema? Does your chosen area have a good range of restaurants and good High Street shopping?

Essential house requirements

Before starting to view houses, we recommend drawing up a list of your 10 ‘must have’ so you are clear from the outset as to what you really want from your move. This will include, for example, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, reception rooms, if you want a garage, how big a garden would you like etc. Will you be working from home? Do you need a study or maybe two? Would a garden room be an option for a home office? Then draw up a list of your ‘would like to have’. This may include elements such as a south facing garden, an extra en-suite, a garden room, space for a treadmill, a carriage driveway, a dressing room etc.

By being clear at the outset you will understand what is essential for your move and where compromises can be made.

Connect with local agents

In these days of online searching, it is easy to conduct all your research via property search engines.  However, if you get to know the local agents, they will have you at the forefront of their minds when out valuing potential properties. Speak to agents and even better still, go in and meet them so they can put a face to a name and know that you are committed to the search.

By making a start on these six areas you will be in a very strong position when the time comes to make the move. Most importantly we encourage our clients to keep an open mind when viewing properties. Clients sometimes come to us with a very specific wish list thereby dramatically reducing their options and possibly missing out on potential gems. By keeping an open mind and having a broad search criteria when considering your options you may well find something exceptional.

If you need help to find your ideal home then we can help. With over 19 years’ experience in sourcing property and unrivalled local knowledge, Chiltern Relocation can take on the stress of the search and guide you through the all the steps to finding exactly what you are looking for.

For more information call 01494 672086 or email: enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our website: www.chilternrelocation.com.