It's vital to research the area, market and property styles in the locations you're considering to purchase within.
Choosing where to live is just as important as choosing the property itself. A well-researched location can impact your quality of life, future property value, and even the ease of resale. Before booking your viewings, take the time to understand the best areas, property types, and market conditions.
How to research locations
The right location depends on your lifestyle, work, and long-term goals. Consider:
• Commute and transport links – Check travel times to work, schools, or family.
• Local amenities – Supermarkets, gyms, parks, healthcare, and entertainment.
• School catchment areas – Even if you don’t have children, being near a good school can boost property values.
• Future development – Research planned infrastructure, regeneration projects, or new transport links that could affect property demand.
• Crime rates and community feel – Look at local crime statistics and visit the area at different times of day.
Choosing the right property type
Your lifestyle and future plans should guide your decision. Think about:
• Property size and layout – Do you need space for a growing family or a home office?
• Leasehold vs freehold – Flats are often leasehold, meaning ongoing ground rent and service charges.
• New build vs older property – New homes offer modern efficiency, while older homes may have more character but require renovations.
• Resale potential – Consider if the property will appeal to future buyers when you move on.
Understanding market conditions
The property market fluctuates, and timing your purchase well can save you money. Research:
• Recent sales data – Compare prices of similar homes that have recently sold.
• Market trends – Are prices rising, stabilising, or falling in your chosen area?
• Supply and demand – Are homes selling quickly, or sitting on the market?
• Negotiation opportunities – In a buyer’s market, you may have more room to negotiate on price.
What Open Moove suggests next
• Create a list of must-have and nice-to-have features in your ideal location and property.
• We believe that if a property ticks 7 out of your 10 boxes, it should be shortlisted!
• Use property portals to track recent sales and compare market trends.
• Speak to local estate agents to understand demand and upcoming opportunities.
• Download the Open Moove app to get expert guidance and stay on top of your home buying journey.
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