Choosing the Location

Once you have found a general area that you want to live in and that offers what you want, you'll need to focus on specific locations within it. You might even compile a list of streets that you particularly like. Don't just think about how a property will suit you while you live there, but you should also consider how local features will affect its value when you come to sell.

In particular, think about the following:

Local Amenities

Unfortunately, many villages are losing their post offices and local shops. Cold a lack of local amenities be restricting for you? And would it affect retail value?

Public Transport

Does your area provide good transport links?

Schools

If places at the school are sought after, the property could have a good retail value to a family with school-age children. In the meantime, how will you be affected by noise from the playground and school-run traffic?

Public Houses

Although pubs may offer a handy extension to your social life, they can also generate traffic noise, particularly at closing time.

Seasonal Traffic

Be aware of how traffic in the area changes. It may come alive with tourists in the summer, or host an arts festival in the winter.

On the Seafront

Still a dream to some, but consider the possibilities of coastal erosion before you buy.

Rivers and Flood Plains

The UK has seen some particularly bad flooding over the last few years, and so we're all more aware of the dangers of low-lying areas. Check the past history of the area with the environment agency at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood/.

Mobile Phone Masts and Electricity Pylons

There is currently a debate about the health issues of living close to phone masts and pylons. Check out whether the property you like has pylons or cables nearby.

Proposed Building Projects

You or your solicitor needs to do a thorough local search to ensure that there are no major building projects planned. Future road creation or widening schemes would dramatically affect traffic levels. However, not all projects are bad news financially. The creation of giant shopping centres, which employ hundreds of people, and extensions to the London rail system had been known to push up property prices.