Home Buyer Mortgage Advice in London

Whether you are local to the London area or are moving from outside of London, one of the main factors when moving home in London is knowing more about the area you are looking to live in.

Of course this is beyond just simply looking at where you would like to live. You will also need to look at how the area currently looks, what any of the nearby facilities are, what would be included in your dream property?

To help you to create a better understanding of the type of area that you would prefer to live in, we have put together a detailed list of the different types of factors that you, as a home buyer, need to look out for when you are looking to find a new home in London. 

1. Busy city or relaxing countryside? 

Make sure to come up with an idea of the type of area you would like to start living in, after all you will likely be living within that property for a long time.

Seeing as London is mostly made up of city properties, it is perfect for those who prefer a more urban lifestyle. Of course if you prefer the country life, that’s going to be a little more challenging, as you may need to move slightly further afield towards the outer areas of London.

Tying into the previous point, if you are looking to move more to the outside of London, rather than closer to the center, you will of course need to make sure there are plenty of transport links, especially if you do not drive.

Whether it is for work, to see family and friends or for the night life, transport is key to any area. Fortunately, because of the significance of London, you will find plenty of transport links allowing you to commute to and from the city itself.

Whilst that in itself is a positive, there is a cost element. What type of public transport are you taking? How much does it cost to get there and which method is most cost effective?

If you are driving, how much fuel will you need to pay for per week? These are all important things to bear in mind before making a decision.

3. Schools & Education 

If you are a home buyer who has their own children, you should do some research on what the nearest schools are. Review the school league tables and any Ofsted reports, in order to get a better idea of what they may be like.

If you currently don’t have any children, whether it’s on the cards for the future or not, it’s always worth checking this just in case, as a way to future proof yourself.

4. Nearby Facilities – What You Need Vs What You Want 

When you are making plans to live within a certain area, it is important to prepare for various facilities you would like to have nearby. Making a list of this is always handy, noting which ones are essential and which ones you just really want.

For example, if you would like to have any nearby shops or gyms, take a look at the local area to see what is there. Closer to the center of London, you are likely to find most of what you are looking for. The downside is that these things may be busier or cost more.

Of course if you’re living further away from London, you may need to prioritise what is essential, but you will have the benefit of these possibly costing less. Remember that shops probably outweigh facilities like a gym, due to the needs of general living.

5. Friends and Family 

Some people will factor in how far away their family and friends are, into where they are looking to live. Many will want their family and friends nearby, especially if they have kids. Others may prefer a quiet life, only socialising sporadically.

This relates back to the transport links topic too, as even if you are a little bit away from family and friends, you may still be within viable travelling distance, due to the amount of transport options around the area.

6. Is the property good value for money? 

Everyone wants to have something that is worth the money they are paying for it. This will entirely depend on the area you are looking to live in, especially when you consider London property prices.

Generally some people may look to go for a cheaper property initially, compromising on features and facilities they would’ve liked, in order to save some money, before moving later down the line.

With London being as expensive as it is, one of your compromises may be the area itself, if you would prefer the urban life. This is because these houses tend to be at a premium cost, and you are probably getting more value for money further out of the city.

7. What is the community like? 

An area is often defined by the local community. Some may prefer a quieter life, staying to themselves, whereas others may prefer to have a much busier community. It’s always worth speaking with an estate agent to learn more about what it’s like.

Additionally, there may be a community Facebook page or local newsletter to take a look at, as those have become more popular over recent years. Once again, because of London and the wider areas significance, a lot of information and opinion can likely even be found online.

8. Career Changes 

A lot of home buyers will be looking for a new home because they will have found or will be on the search for a new career. It is important to look at the level of distance between your new home and your new workplace.

As touched upon, many people will commute to work in London from the outskirts, with plenty of transport links to choose from. This makes quieter, more affordable living a much more viable option. Some people prefer to work from home, so this may reduce the need to travel to work.

9. Property Type 

There are various different types of property that are available on the property market, with the area you are looking to buy in being a factor in which type is more prevalent.

Some will prefer to live on an end-terrace with a garden to relax in on a sunny day, whilst others would much rather live in a modern flat or a studio apartment.

Make sure you review all of the different options that are out there for you. Look at the viewings to get a good idea of what sort of property you would prefer to live in.

10. Local Developments 

Any information you can obtain regarding future improvements in the area you’re looking to live in is also useful to have, especially if you’re looking to build a life within that new home and stay there for a number of years.

Online research will definitely be worth your while when you are looking to find any future investments. It’s important to consider whether or not these will be beneficial to you and your lifestyle.

If you prefer a quiet country life, your ideal perfect world may be turned upside down if there’s any plans for a sudden big housing development nearby.

Moving Home Mortgage Advice in London

When the time comes to start making offers on a property and getting yourself a mortgage, it is worth getting yourself booked in for a free mortgage appointment. Our fast & friendly mortgage advisors in London will be glad to help!

We work from early until late, every day of the week and including some weekends and bank holidays, subject to appointment availability. 

Whether you need help as a first time buyer mortgage in London or are moving home in London, we will be more than happy to help you along with your mortgage journey.

Date Last Edited: January 20, 2023