Moving Home

Most people move home for a number positive reasons and these might include a change of job or a requirement to move to a larger property as the family grows. Regardless of the reasons for moving, without proper planning, the process itself can sometimes be very traumatic.

You will find several useful documents within this section. When you view your next property, you may like record you 'likes and dislikes' on a copy of our viewing checklist. Our Home movers checklist will help you organise the move in advance and our Contacts checklist will remind you to inform various people (banks and GP) of your change of address.

If you are likely to need a mortgage for your next move, we would suggest you think about your financial arrangements first to establish what you feel you can and cannot afford.

Our consultants would be delighted to hear from you if you need finance for your next move. Please call us free between 10am and 7pm on 0800 298 5136. Alternatively, use the call me feature and we will contact you at a convenient time. If it's just a quick quote you're after, we will be pleased to help.

Think finance first

It's very tempting to look at property first and think about the finance afterwards. When you're looking for your next home, it's possible that what you want and what you can afford don't match!

Costs are likely to be incurred during the process and funds will need to be set aside for legal fees, Stamp Duty Land Tax, property survey, estate agents and moving costs. And then there's the mortgage. The amount you can borrow will depend on your circumstances. Your income, employment status, credit history, outgoings and the amount you are able to put down as a deposit will be factors that will be considered carefully by a potential lender.

Consider the unexpected. We don't want you to over commit yourself and borrow so much that you can't afford to deal with costs associated with your day to day living and potential increases in interest rates.

We will be able to give you an idea of the amount you can borrow, based on your circumstances, before you start looking at property and provide you with a lenders Agreement in Principle. It is always reassuring to know that it is possible to borrow money before you make an offer to the seller.

Property location

It's often been said that the three most important considerations when buying a property are location, location and location. There are of course lots of other important factors to consider when you are looking for your next home. It does make sense to think about your ideal area before you start your property search, keeping your lifestyle in the front of your mind.
Cost is often the deciding factor when choosing a suitable location. Fortunately technology has made searching much easier. Most estate agents have websites and others feature lists of homes for sale from a wide range of agencies.
Things to consider include convenience for work, transport links, schools, parks and safety. Would you prefer a garden? Is the property likely to be big enough for your short and medium-term needs?

Take your time

Consider preparing a checklist to keep a record of the homes you visit (see our Viewing checklist ). Your checklist might focus on the general condition of the property; for example, exterior paintwork, internal décor, guttering and roof. Also consider recording your likes and dislikes for each room inside the property. If you're buying on your own, take a friend and seek a second opinion.

Take a good look around and view the properties at different times of the day. Drive around or take a leisurely stroll and check out the area thoroughly. Is it up and coming? New bars, cafes, cinemas or shops opening nearby can be good signs. What are the transport links like and is it close to the local school or shopping centre?

Would you prefer to move into a newly built home for all of the obvious reasons; modern fittings, less work on your hands as it will require little maintenance? A new home should come with a ten or fifteen year warranty.