When looking for a new home it really is all about location, location, location!
Finding your new home can seem like a daunting task and there is a lot to consider when taking this step, particularly if you are a first-time buyer or if you have not moved home in a long time. Choosing to narrow down your search area can help you to focus on what is important to you and help you to shape your wish list.
So where do you start when searching for your next home?
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is a key consideration when selecting the location of your new home. Consider what is important to you in terms of your daily life and hobbies. Would you prefer the bustle of a central location so that you can enjoy an impromptu dinner with friends or is a living by the sea more your style? Are green spaces top of your list so you can enjoy walks, running or cycling?
Family life
If you have a family or are planning to in the future, consider how family friendly the location is. School catchment and performance data is readily available but consider how you might travel in and out of the area and to any schools or nurseries, whether there are good parks and green spaces and also the availability of other children’s activities.
Transport options
Consider which transport links are available in your chosen area and what alternatives are available should this be necessary. If you are moving out of Edinburgh, think about your commute and any obligations around collecting children that might need to be factored in.
Local amenities
Key local amenities to look out for in your search will be linked to your lifestyle, hobbies and of course your family and job but we would recommend including supermarkets, a doctor and dental surgery and some green space on your list as a starting point.
Edinburgh has an excellent mix of history, architecture, shopping and green spaces and importantly has a number of areas offering village style living, while remaining close to the city centre. Stockbridge and Morningside have great amenities and are well-established areas, while Leith offers a fantastic, lively waterfront with some of Edinburgh’s top restaurants.
Time is of the essence
It is a good idea to arrange a discussion with a mortgage broker to understand what you can afford to pay for a property before beginning your search. This can also inform your search area and your local agent can advise on the latest sale prices in each area. We would also encourage you to instruct a solicitor to deal with all their compliance requirements, allowing your solicitor to move quickly when you find the right property.
There is a lot to consider when looking for your next home but taking some time to jot down a few ideas on what you are looking for (must haves) and what you might be willing to compromise on (nice to haves) can really help to focus the search and find a home that is right for you.
If you have any questions about the process of buying a home in Scotland, get in touch with our residential property experts.
