Step 5: Finding the right property for you
At this stage, there's no substitute for getting out there and pounding the pavements, viewing as many properties as possible. It'll help you to get an idea of what kind of place you'd like to live in, what's available, and whether it's a buyer's or seller's market (you'll want to have a feel for this when the time comes to make an offer). Spending some time with ESPC's friendly staff will pay dividends. We can point you towards currently available properties that match your price range and location. And we can email you (or send by post) details of any new properties coming onto the market so you have up-to-date information at your fingertips.
Once you've seen a few properties you'll soon become an expert at seeing past things that you don't like but can easily change (like dodgy decor) and spotting things that could be an expensive problem (antiquated electrics, crumbly window frames, bad room layout, to name just three of the main offenders).
One way to avoid all of the problems above - and many others - is to buy a newly built home. But there are disadvantages too. New homes aren't to everyone's taste, so you might find less demand when you come to sell on. Also if you're buying 'off-plan' - in other words, agreeing to buy a home before it's even been built - you'll probably have to pay a deposit, which won't be returned if you change your mind later.
It's good to go with your instincts, but don't get fixated on one property and start making rash decisions. If you see somewhere you like, always go back for a second viewing - ideally at a different time of day, and bring someone with experience of home-buying who can give you a more objective opinion. Ask the seller why they're moving, how long the house has been on the market, how much interest they've had from buyers, and how much the council tax and utility bills are. You'll also want to find out as much as possible about the area - are any major developments planned? These aren't always a bad thing - new public transport links, for example, can add value to a neighbourhood. Ask around, and see whether you know anyone who lives nearby who can give you the inside track on what you might be moving into. Or better still, use the ESPC.com website to search for useful information.
At this stage, there's no substitute for getting out there and pounding the pavements, viewing as many properties as possible. It'll help you to get an idea of what kind of place you'd like to live in, what's available, and whether it's a buyer's or seller's market (you'll want to have a feel for this when the time comes to make an offer). Spending some time with ESPC's friendly staff will pay dividends. We can point you towards currently available properties that match your price range and location. And we can email you (or send by post) details of any new properties coming onto the market so you have up-to-date information at your fingertips.
Once you've seen a few properties you'll soon become an expert at seeing past things that you don't like but can easily change (like dodgy decor) and spotting things that could be an expensive problem (antiquated electrics, crumbly window frames, bad room layout, to name just three of the main offenders).
One way to avoid all of the problems above - and many others - is to buy a newly built home. But there are disadvantages too. New homes aren't to everyone's taste, so you might find less demand when you come to sell on. Also if you're buying 'off-plan' - in other words, agreeing to buy a home before it's even been built - you'll probably have to pay a deposit, which won't be returned if you change your mind later.
It's good to go with your instincts, but don't get fixated on one property and start making rash decisions. If you see somewhere you like, always go back for a second viewing - ideally at a different time of day, and bring someone with experience of home-buying who can give you a more objective opinion. Ask the seller why they're moving, how long the house has been on the market, how much interest they've had from buyers, and how much the council tax and utility bills are. You'll also want to find out as much as possible about the area - are any major developments planned? These aren't always a bad thing - new public transport links, for example, can add value to a neighbourhood. Ask around, and see whether you know anyone who lives nearby who can give you the inside track on what you might be moving into. Or better still, use the ESPC.com website to search for useful information.
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