Buyer’s guide: what to prioritise when house-hunting in April

Anyone wanting to buy a new property this April needs to be nimble so they can move decisively when they find the home they love.

One job is organising your finances to know exactly what you can afford. The other job is deciding what to prioritise in your property search. Are you after outdoor space or another bedroom? Proximity to a particular school? Which features are essential for your move, and which ones are bonuses?

While everyone will have a different set of requirements, here is a list to consider (and talk over with anyone else you’re buying with). By forming a list of your top priorities, you can instruct your estate agent and save yourself time and indecision.

The property itself:

• The size and number of bedrooms, taking into account how long you expect to live there
• The style and condition of the property – whether you’re able to move straight in without making any changes in the foreseeable future
• The layout – for example, open-plan kitchen-diners are popular
• Any particular rooms you need, such as an office or other adaptable space if you plan to work from home
• The historic character of the property (note: some listed homes come with restrictions)
• The potential for extensions – factoring in land around the house, for example

Outdoor space:

• The size of the garden and any other land
• Features such as a hot tub, pond or shed (if you’re upgrading on what you currently have, factor in the maintenance work and costs involved in looking after these)
• A garden that’s secluded rather than overlooked by neighbours or beside a road
• Somewhere suitable for pets – for example, with a wall your dog can’t jump over
• A driveway, garage, or allocated parking, including space for guests

Energy-saving and other modern features:

• The EPC rating – as bills may increase this year, it’s worth considering a property’s energy rating and whether there’s the potential to improve this by adding insulation or solar panels
• An electric vehicle charger or space for one – the conflict in the Middle East is prompting a surge of interest in electric vehicles
• Smart technology, including smart thermostats, heating controls, home security systems and video doorbells

The location:

• A quiet street and local area – for example, a country lane with fields opposite
• Nearby education, including nurseries, schools, colleges, etc.
• Public transport and good road links for the journeys you often take
• Amenities like doctor surgeries, shops and public parks
• A non-touristy area where you’re not inundated with crowds in the summer, for example
• A picturesque conservation area

The resale value of the property:

• A property you can feel confident in reselling in the future due to an excellent location or popular architectural style, for instance
• Somewhere that’s unlikely to flood or face other environmental problem

Final thoughts

Figuring out your priorities is an important part of the house-hunting process. It helps you to communicate what you’re looking for to your estate agent and decide which properties are worth your time, especially if you’re buying with someone else. Find your nearest Winkworth office to start your search today.