Buying a property is the biggest purchase you will make in your life, but small mistakes can cost large. Being a first-time buyer can be challenging, and with the endless choices and options of house styles, deciding on the perfect house can be tricky. We all have our own unique sense of style and transferring your style preferences to a property is completely normal. Before the prospects of becoming a homeowner gets too exciting, ensure that you take the necessary steps to choosing the right style of property- to help you find a home that matches not only to your individual flare, but is efficient for your life. Here at We Buy Any House, we’ve compiled a list of our best tips to help you find the property of your dreams.
Tip #1- Figuring Out Your Budget:
To make your perfect home a reality, elements of logic must come into the equation. We all daydream about our perfect property, and sometimes we can get carried away! It is essential to sit down and work out a budget for your property. Get an idea of the key costs when buying a house- how much you must put down for a deposit, and how you are going to apply for a mortgage. Don’t forget other expenses too, such as survey fees, conveyancing, removal expenses all the way to home improvement costs. If you follow a general rule to set 10% aside for this, then you can be well on your way to owning your perfect property.
Tip #2- Know Your Area:
Once you have worked out your price bracket and how you are going to cover all financial expenses, next is to think about which area you would like to live in- and more importantly where you can afford to buy. If you’re thinking of buying in a new area, you’ll need insight into regional property prices. Bear in mind things such as the fact it is easier to buy in the countryside rather than the city center, the southeast of England is generally more expensive compared to the rest of the UK, and prices in London can be up to three times higher.
The UK housing market is extremely localised- meaning that two streets may value the same type of property at completely different prices. The best way to house hunt areas is to make use of the internet. Trawl the internet and shortlist your preferred locations- then, visit them and get a feel for the area and the community. Take the time to research everything, from nearby amenities to council tax rates, to local crime rates to transport access.
Tip #3- Style of Property:
As much as choosing the style of property is for aesthetic reasons, you must consider the functionality behind that style. The architectural style defines both how the house feels and looks, from building materials to style and shape of doors and windows. Here’s a mini breakdown of property architectural styles:
- Tudor: Popularised after Henry VIII founded the Church of England and was less influenced by European architecture. Housing is characterised by thatched roofs and exposed timber frames- and were built with functionality in mind.
- Stuart: The Stuart style of property had Catholic leanings which meant they looked to European influences for inspiration. The first style of house to be built from stone and brick, and feature granite arches and large windows.
- Georgian: Inspired by the 16th– century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, Georgian houses are elegant styles that focus on symmetry and ornate decorations.
- Victorian: During the Industrial Revolution, gothic style become popular. Victorian houses were designed asymmetrically, with patterns and pointed arches. Built with brick, lavish decorations were a way for the growing middle class to show off their wealth and status.
- Queen Anne: Popularised and inspired by the Dutch-design. Mainly built in London, these properties featured timber hoods over the door, windows with glazing bars, and resembled old farmhouses. Red brick and terracotta panels were common.
- Edwardian: Colourful with bright interiors and were built in the baroque style with timber framing, pebbledash and hanging tiles.
- 30s Semi: Distinctive style of home, with recessed porches, hipped roof and curved bay windows. The most common style of UK house.
- Art Deco: A highly fashionable style of house, with an emphasis on welcoming sunlight, open interiors, flat roofs, white walls and Egyptian style motifs.
- 70s: Popularised in the 60s and 70s due to their affordability. Often have a garage and are clad with hanging tiles and weatherboarding.
- New Build: Feature a traditional style and reject modernism, so often reflect older styles with mock timber framing and cottage features.
Tip #4- What Do You Want?
Make a list of property essentials that you want. Number of bedrooms, size of kitchen, parking space etc. Know the difference between features and fundamentals- for example, the current décor can be changed at your disposal so is therefore a feature, whereas if there are no shops nearby and that is a necessity, then that’s a fundamental that you should rethink.
Tip #5- Preparing for the Final Choice:
Do further research. Speak to your (and other too) estate agents, in addition to friends and family members. View properties multiple times, discuss what’s included in the property, and don’t forget to look out for the right things during the viewing such as maintenance issues. Do your best to become an expert on the local area and property type you want to buy- it’ll be worth it to get your perfect property!