| Finding the right area to live is now far easier than it used to be. With new online services you can compare everything from house prices to a local school’s results in seconds. |
| Issues to consider When you start looking for a new home there are various factors that could affect your choice of where to live. The list below covers the main considerations. |
| Schools If you have a young family, getting your children into the right school can determine the area you choose. Beware, though: school catchment areas are not clearly defined. Check with your estate agent exactly what "in the vicinity of" (a typical agent’s blurb) actually means - and confirm that with the school itself. |
| Council tax Living in some areas can seem attractive until the council tax bill comes in and you discover that in addition to the mortgage you have to find a further £500-£600 a year. Sometimes it would make more sense to look at a property just a few streets away from your preferred location |
| If you think your tax is too high, write to the council immediately. Challenging a council tax valuation on your property is generally possible only shortly after purchase, although there may be exceptions. |
| Services Not only can council taxes be high, services such as rubbish collection, road mending, sports facilities and parks may be inadequate. Check them out, together with other amenities, such as cinemas, shops and restaurants. Decide whether they meet your current and likely future needs. |
| Transport Transport links are an important consideration. Prices are usually lower in areas with poor links, but that is not an inviolable rule. |
| Crime A home can turn into a prison if you live in a heavily crime-ridden area. Find out from your local police station what the crime statistics are. Talk to local shopkeepers to learn more. Consider personal safety issues, such as whether this is an area you would feel comfortable walking around at night, or when coming home from work. |
| House prices In recent years, parts of the UK have seen spectacular rises in property values. Other parts of the country have languished. In many big cities, some areas are posting double-digit price increases, while others have stood still. Your first need is for a roof over your head. But after that, there’s nothing wrong with trying to find the latest hotspot. |
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