What to check before saying ‘Yes!’ to your new home
When you consider a new property, there's loads to be thinking about, from the fixtures and furnishings to where you'll eat your breakfast in the morning. In some cases, it's so easy to visualise yourself in your new home, you miss out on some of the practical problems. In this post, the team at Really Moving show us the "five 'S's" to look out for, to make sure your new home doesn't let you down!Security
When choosing a new place to live, especially if it's an area you're unfamiliar with, you're going to want to feel safe. Considering the safety aspects of the property will allow you to make an educated decision. You can look at sites like police.uk and see what crimes have been committed in the area (be sure to check your existing postcode too, just in case it seems shocking - you may find your own area had quite a few issues without you knowing!). If there have been issues near the property, then it's worth being very careful about security, and assessing the property on a visit. What is access to the property like? Is there a garden gate to the front, or an easy way to get onto a flat roof? What does the garden back on to? These don't have to be deal-breakers, but knowing about access points will make it easier for you to secure your new home. It will also help when getting home insurance, and ensuring you get a great rate. If you do think the property requires more security, look into what changes you could make, from simple fixes like sensor lights and a visible security system, to improving locks or making fences taller.
Storage
The holy grail of housing - what's the storage like? If you're lucky, the property will have built in storage, but if not, look for opportunities to maximise usable space. Window seats with an empty bench, ottomans that can hold blankets, under cupboard areas that could hold shelves or drawers. Don't forget to check whether there is a shed (and if it's included) along with what the loft space is like and if it's easily accessible and properly insulated. The best thing you can do when buying a new home is to clear all your clutter in advance of your move. This stops you paying more money to move (and possibly store) your items, only for them to take up space in your new home. Most people will want to decorate their new home in a different way to their previous one, or if it's your first property, you'll have the chance to co-ordinate and decorate as you like. In many cases, your older items don't fit with the new aesthetic. If you know you're planning to completely start over in your new home, don't bother bringing all your old items with you. If you're upsizing, you may be surprised at how much space you have for all your items, but if you're moving to a small flat, or downsizing from a bigger home, be sure to invest in furniture that doubles up as storage.Structure
A Chartered Surveyor will able to tell you how structurally sound the property is. Issues like damp or subsidence can have a long term impact on how liveable your property is, and how its value will change over time. You can also take the opportunity to consider any structural changes you might like to make to the property, and what's possible. If you're considering buying an older property that will need some TLC to turn into your dream home, a Building Survey is probably your best option. These are for older properties, or ones that have had significant work done to them, or you will do work to in the future. An in-depth survey also gives you negotiating power with the seller - if you will need to spend money to fix elements of the property before you move in, you could use the survey to ask for a reduction in price. Your survey will often also tell you how much those improvements might cost.
Saving
Speaking of costs, do you know how much your property will cost you long term? No, we don't mean the mortgage payments. By checking the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of your future home, you'll be able to see how energy efficient the property is, and how you can save money on your bills. The EPC will tell you what improvements could be made to make the home more energy efficient, from big changes like solar panels, to the small ones like energy-saving lightbulbs. An EPC needs to be updated every 10 years, so make sure your seller's one is up to date, so there are no nasty surprises down the line.Space
When it comes to what makes a home, space and light are key. But don't forget that even the smallest space has the opportunity to be improved - painting a room a lighter colour, introducing hidden storage spaces and not over-filling the area with clutter can make a big difference. That's why we always recommend clearing as much as you can before you move, so you can decide how to make the most of the space your new home affords. By looking into whether your future home could be extended, and whether there are any planning permission issues, you've effectively planned for the future and added value to your new home already. Space is always a good thing, and so looking at your potential new property with an understanding eye, and being willing to do the work and make compromises will set you up in a home you can enjoy for years to come.If you need help decluttering your home before you move, you can find your nearest APDO professional organiser here.
If you are considering buying a new home in 2019, reallymoving.com are a moving home comparison site, providing instant quotes for conveyancing, surveys and removals, along with helpful guides and tips to make moving home stress-free.
