Buying property tips: Choosing a property
Having located the area in which you would like to live, decided on the type of property you'd like to buy and found out how much you
can borrow, you can now begin the joys of house hunting.
Remember to stick to your budget at all times, it can be very tempting
to offer over the odds for a property but don't submit an offer over
and above your financial means.
We recommend you simplify your search by deciding beforehand what
type of new home you want to buy. The options are endless with choices
in style, age, location, local amenities and specialised adaptations.
Take some time to consider whether you want:
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A detached house, town house, bungalow, apartment or retirement
home |
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One, two, three, four or more bedrooms |
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A separate dining room or an eating area in the
kitchen |
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A garage or parking space |
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A garden |
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Off road parking |
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Good local amenities |
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Choice of local schools |
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Excellent transport links |
With the added living options of retirement living, accessible living or moving into a newly built property it is worth noting down your main 'must haves'. There are benefits to choosing any type of property but Choice Home have listed a few to consider in each category of build:
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Have access and fixtures designed with the needs of the elderly
and disabled in mind |
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Are energy-efficient |
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Are fitted with modern locks and alarms for your security |
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Are fitted with circuit breakers, fire and smoke alarms for
your safety |
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Typically come with a guarantee such as Buildmark that protects your new home and provides insurance if any problems should arise |
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Allow people to maintain there independence |
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Provides a private but secure environment |
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Are adapted specifically for the elderly |
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Builds communities of like minded people of a similar age |
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Have been built specifically for those with mobility concerns |
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Provides a safe but independent living environment |
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Check the property pages of the local newspapers - these will
also include property that is not being sold through an estate
agent and these homes may be cheaper as a result. |
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Visit lots of properties |
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Do not be afraid to go back for a second or even third look.
Do take notes - it is easy to forget things when you have left
the property, and you can easily confuse two properties. |
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Try to ignore decor and furnishings, and picture the property
empty. |
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Mortgages will be given on most buildings provided they are
structurally sound. If the basic amenities of hot and cold water,
an outside toilet and a fixed bath or shower are lacking, then
lenders must have an assurance that they will be installed immediately.
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If you are interested in a property check out the length of
the chain, a long chain will mean a more complicated sale. |
You should be clear about the estate agent's position. They are working
for the seller of the property and receives a fee based commission
based on the price paid for the property - remember this when it comes
to taking their advice on what to offer. The agent is legally obliged
to give you an accurate description of the property. It is a criminal
offence for estate agents to leave out something important or make
false statements about any property. Any 'enhanced' descriptions by
an estate agent should be reported to your local trading standards
office.
Useful links
Selling your home
First time buyers
In-depth mortgage guide
Property news
Search for property online
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