Finding the Location

If you have chosen the approximate area that offers what you want, you'll need to focus on specific locations within it. You might even compile a list of streets that you particularly like. Don't just think about how a property will suit you while you live there, but how local features will affect its value when you come to sell. For example:

• Is it near a school?
  The property could have a good retail value to a family with school-age children. In the meantime, how will you be affected by noise from the playground and school-run traffic?
• Is it near a bar?
  Although his may offer a handy extension to your social life, bars can generate an awful lot of noise, particularly at closing time.
• What are the local amenities?
  Is the house close to shops and other amenities?. If not, could a lack of local amenities be restricting for you? And would it affect retail value?
• Is it close to public transport?
  Does your area provide good transport links?
• What about proposed building projects?
  You or your attorney will need to do a thorough search to make sure that there are no major building projects planned. Future road creation or widening schemes would dramatically affect traffic levels. However, not all projects are financial bad news. The creation of giant shopping malls, which employ hundreds of people, and extensions to the transport links have been known to push up property prices.
• Is it on the seafront?
  A dream to some, but consider the possibilities of coastal erosion before you buy.
• Is it near electricity pylons or cell phone masts?
  There is currently a debate about the health issues of living close to pylons and phone masts.
• What about seasonal traffic?
  Be aware of how traffic in the area changes. It may come alive with tourists in the summer, or host an arts festival in the winter.