It’s Not Just A Property You Choose When You Buy A New House!
When you buy a new property, you’re not only buying a house, you’re also choosing a new neighbourhood! Since the area that you choose can have a significant impact on your quality of life, it couldn’t be more important to put some time and effort into researching the areas you’re considering to make sure you’ve selected one that’s best suited to you and your family’s needs.
This is why our team at Shelton & Lines has some great advice to help ensure you make the right decision.
Browse Online First
Before you view any properties in person, take some time to browse online. Most estate agents have a strong online presence and have informative websites that include detailed information, local area guides and descriptions of the neighbourhoods they serve. For example, our website here https://www.sheltonandlines.co.uk gives you details about the different neighbourhoods within Worcester .
Look At Trends In Local Property Values
You can check the prices of local properties like those you’re considering buying over time to see whether they’re decreasing, increasing, or remaining roughly stable. This will help you determine whether the investment you’re making is a good one in the long term.
Ask About Any New Developments
You should ask your solicitor and estate agent about any new developments that are planned in the near future in your chosen area. Looking up the area plan for your local council is also wise. If a significant development is set for construction nearby, that could have an impact on property prices and could result in more pollution and congestion. On the other hand, the new infrastructure that often goes along with new housing developments could bring you excellent benefits.
Visit The Neighbourhood
Don’t just visit the house you’re considering buying. Take the time to visit the local neighbourhood too, preferably on foot. Walking around the area lets you spot things you possibly wouldn’t when driving. Visit local shops and cafes to feel the local vibe, and visit at different times to ensure you feel equally safe both day and night.
Check The Local Crime Rate
Estate agents aren’t permitted to disclose information about local crime rates as it could be discriminatory and misleading, but you can check the information yourself. Remember that crimes happen everywhere, but if something feels off about your chosen area, trust your instincts.
Check Out Local Schools
If you’ve got children, local schools will be a significant consideration for you. If you’re planning to start a family in the near future, it’s wise to think ahead and begin checking out local nurseries now. Look at school websites and prospectuses to get a feel for a school and then book a visit, preferably in term-time so that you can see how the children act in their environment.
Test Run The Commute
Before you buy a property, try a test run of your commute to work! Daily commuting can majorly impact your life – sitting in traffic jams for hours before and after work is stressful, costly, and time-consuming. Whenever possible, do a test run at the time you’d typically travel to and from work, or at the very least, check the route on Google Maps at those times to see how long the journey should take. If you are using public transport, make sure that there are buses or trains to your required destination and that they run at suitable times.
Finding the right neighbourhood for you needn’t be a challenge if you follow our tips. If you’ve chosen an area in Worcester and need more information, get in touch with our team at Shelton & Lines on 01905 616330 or me at leigh@sheltonandlines.co.uk. We’re experts in the local property market and will help find the perfect home for you.
Kind regards
Leigh