In recent years buyers have started to re-evaluate not just their home, but their lives too. In 2020 we saw a rise in people looking to leave the cities and relocate to somewhere more rural, and then in 2022 we saw many people looking to return to the smaller cities.
If you’re thinking of a move to a different part of the country, we’ve put together some important factors to consider first.
1. Know your budget when relocating
If you’re selling a property in a desirable part of a city, you might be thinking you’ll be able to afford something significantly larger if you relocate. However, before you even start looking, it’s essential that you have a realistic idea of what kind of property you can get for your money.
Firstly, find out what price you can expect to achieve for your current home by booking a valuation with your local office.
It’s also crucial to know how much you’ll be able to borrow. With access to over 12,000 mortgages from 90+ UK lenders, our professional in-branch mortgage advisers can advise you on how much you can borrow. Once you know your facts and figures regarding budget, you can start house-hunting. Book a mortgage appointment today to find out how much you could borrow.
2. Research the area
If you’ve lived in a big town or city, you may yearn to move to somewhere more rural; especially if your home has limited or no outside space. While moving away from city living can potentially offer more room, it’s equally important to consider whether your move will involve a major lifestyle change too.
Try to spend as much time as possible in the area you’re considering moving to, in order to get a feel for what life would be like living there. If you have children, then it’s vital to research things like schools, as well as local amenities, the commute to work and other things you’re used to having on your doorstep.
3. Consider your priorities
Life has changed considerably in recent years, and our home has had to become so much more than simply a place to sleep, eat and relax. Does your next home need sufficient room to accommodate an office area? What’s the broadband like in the area you’re looking to move to? All these factors should be taken into consideration when hunting for your next home.
4. Consider the whole picture when relocating
When buying a new home, it’s important to plan for all the costs associated with running it. For example, if you’re selling a two-bed flat and buying a four-bed detached home, you may find your new council tax bill and utility bills are higher.
5. Consider the future
Above all, it’s important to ensure that your relocation will work for you in the long term. If you’re currently working from home, then you need to think about how you’d manage if you had to work back at a physical premise again in the future. Is the commute from the new location manageable? Make sure you’ve covered all your bases for anywhere you decide to relocate to, so you don’t get caught out later.
If you’re thinking of relocating, speak to our expert teams who’ll be happy to advise you.
