But that doesn't necessarily mean looking at the most expensive postcodes in town.
The secret to finding an ideal area is to consider your lifestyle, what facilities and amenities are important to you, and how much you can afford. You can then pinpoint the best location to match your needs.
If you’re looking to take out a mortgage to fund a property, it can help to apply for a Decision in Principle (DIP) before you begin house hunting.
A DIP gives you an idea of how much you could borrow without affecting your credit rating.
Knowing this can help you focus on properties and locations within your budget. You can also show it to estate agents to prove you’re a serious buyer.
This makes a big difference to what you're looking for in an area. Our handy guide will help you prioritise the things that matter to you or your rental market.
If you're buying a property to live in, ask yourself:
Explore: What should you look for when buying a home?
If you're buying a property to let, ask yourself:
Now you're focused on who you're buying for and what's important, it's time to consider what different areas have to offer and whether they're right for you:
Whether it's a busy city centre, bustling town High Street or the local village, every area has its hub of essential amenities. The question is, which ones would you like within walking distance, and which are you happy to travel to? Amenities may include:
There are some things you may not want to live close to, so it's worth finding out where these are:
A wide range of entertainment facilities is often a sign of a thriving community. But it's worth considering how close you want to be with the potential extra noise and traffic from:
If you and your family need to commute to work and school, think about the convenience of being close to any of the following:
If you have a hobby or enjoy a particular sport, you may want to check if there are any organised groups in the area. These could include sports teams, a local amateur theatre, allotment facilities, or a church choir.
Location has a direct influence on which school a child can attend. To find out more information on school catchment areas, visit GOV.UK.
If you're hoping to make money in the long term by buying a property in an up-and-coming area, there's no fool proof formula. But there are some classic clues to look out for:
