House hunting is one of the most exciting things you can do, but even small oversights can be costly. From checking sold prices and spotting property issues to dealing with estate agents and understanding chains, here are our essential tips to help you find the right home and avoid expensive mistakes.
Key takeaways
Research similar property prices in the area and check local development plans before house hunting
Take photos during viewings and inspect thoroughly for issues like damp, electrics and structural problems
Consider the full costs beyond the purchase price, including insurance, utilities and maintenance
Remember estate agents work for the seller, not you - you're free to choose your own conveyancer and mortgage broker
House hunting tips and tricks
1. Utilise the best online property search sites
Property search websites have become the norm when it comes to house hunting. Long gone are the days of visiting estate agents to see what’s available on the market and what you might be able to afford.
Nowadays there’s an abundance of property search websites around that can help you find your perfect home.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular sites you can use:
Rightmove: Whenever you think about moving (or even just seeing what’s out there), Rightmove is likely the first place you’re going to check. Rightmove has over one million properties advertised for you to browse to your heart’s content.
Zoopla: Zoopla comes in at a close second. As well as having plenty of properties to browse, they also let you view how much properties previously sold for. This is a great way to get an idea of what to expect to pay in certain areas.
OnTheMarket: Although OnTheMarket might not be as popular as Rightmove or Zoopla, you can still view a wide range of properties and get access to great features such as alerts to notify you when a property within your requirements gets added.
Purplebricks: Purplebricks offers a modern digital platform where you can browse properties, book viewings 24/7, and access virtual tours, while still getting support from local property experts throughout your buying journey.