Choosing the Location

After finding an area that offers what you want, focus on specific locations within it. You might even compile a list of streets that you particularly like. Consider not just how a property will suit you while you live there, but how local features will affect its value when you come to sell. The web site http://www.upmystreet.com gives extensive local information by postcode.

• Near a public house. This may offer a handy extension to your social life, though pubs can generate traffic noise, particularly at closing time.
• Near a school. 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?
• 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/.
• Local amenities. Unfortunately, many villages are losing their shops and post offices. 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?
• On the seafront. Still a dream to some, but consider the possibilities of coastal erosion before you buy.
• 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.
• Electricity pylons or mobile phone masts. There is currently a debate about the health issues of living close to pylons and phone masts. Check out whether the property you like has pylons or cables nearby by contacting http://www.home-envirosearch.com.
• Crime rate. Visit http://www.upmystreet.com to check out crime rates in your area.
• 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.