Posted: Thursday, January 4, 2024

Buying property in 2024

The beginning of a new year is a time for fresh starts, renewed optimism, and exciting changes, making it the perfect opportunity to buy a new home. This guide will give you all the tips you need to make that dream move a reality. 

 

Calculate your budget 

Before you start searching for your perfect property, it is important to calculate your budget

Before you start searching for your perfect property, it is important to calculate your budget so you know what price range you should be looking at. To calculate an accurate and realistic estimate, you should consider your income, savings, and monthly expenses. It's a good idea to let a mortgage adviser help you with this, as they will give you an estimate of what you can afford based on your situation. 

 

Get a pre-approved mortgage 

Mortgage pre-approval is a process that involves a lender conducting a thorough assessment of an individual’s financial history to establish the maximum loan amount they can receive. Several things are checked in mortgage pre-approval, such as your credit score, bank statements, and payslips. As well as creating additional mortgage options that are personalised to you, having a pre-approved mortgage will make you stand out as a serious buyer, which can give you an advantage when searching and making offers for properties. 

 

Use an experienced estate agent 

When buying a home, using the services provided by an experienced estate agent is paramount. The knowledge and expertise they possess contribute to a successful, stress-free process and help you make informed decisions. They are equipped with a large network of connections, which allows them to access a greater selection of homes that meet your needs and desires. Furthermore, estate agents manage the intricate web of legal and financial factors involved in buying a home, providing vital information and support throughout the process. It is important that you seek their assistance when preparing to make an offer for a property, as they can suggest a sensible amount to put on the table. 

 

Find your ideal home 

When looking for your perfect home, there are several things you need to consider, one of which is the location of the property

When looking for your perfect home, there are several things you need to consider, one of which is the location of the property and its access to important amenities such as schools, hospitals, and transportation links. Aside from the practicalities of a location, you should also ensure that you enjoy the overall feel of the neighbourhood so that you are confident that you will enjoy living there. You should also consider what type of property you need based on your situation. For example, if you have a growing family, you might want to search for a house with multiple bedrooms and a spacious garden. 

 

Inspect the property 

Once you have found a property that you are interested in buying, you should make sure to give it a thorough inspection. This is crucial as it could reveal issues that you did not previously spot when you viewed the property. It could be a good idea to hire a surveyor, as they will check for any issues with the property and detail their findings to you so that you are fully aware of the condition of the home you are looking to buy. 

 

Read the contract

If you’re looking to buy your next home, contact your local Guild Member today.

Thoroughly reviewing the entire contract is essential when buying a property to ensure a smooth and legally sound exchange. Professionally examining the contract will help you find any hidden clauses that could otherwise be overlooked, meaning there will be fewer unpleasant shocks or disagreements in the future. There is nothing in the contract that is unimportant, so you mustn't skip any parts or ignore anything you do not understand. If you find something in the contract that you are unhappy with, it is best to get in touch with your estate agent as they will suggest the best course of action.  

 

Contact us

If you’re looking to buy your next home, contact your local Guild Member today.

 

Looking to buy?

Looking to buy?

We'd love to help you on your journey home.
Don't miss out on on the latest properties by registering for our property alerts.

Register with us today

Read What Our
Customers Say

I can't speak more highly of the team at Homesearch. When I met Michael to discuss the sale of my home instantly from that meeting, I could tell how knowledgeable they were. From that moment until closing, everything went absolutely flawless. This experience of selling went without a hitch with them giving great tips on preparing my home for viewings. Thank you. I really appreciate all your help during this process. I highly recommend Homesearch to any person who is looking to sell their home or buy a new home.

Loretta Barrett, Seller

I started with two very well known real estates, but I hated it. I was simply another number to them and I didn't feel they were honest and transparent. With HomeSearch I felt comfortable that they were on my side and they were always available to help. The process is hard enough, so having a team who supports you can make such a difference. Highly recommend.

Arian Barvarz, Seller

The reason we chose Homesearch to sell our property was that we liked the straightforward, no-nonsense approach of both Anna and Michael. They gave an honest appraisal of our property and a clear idea of what we could expect to sell it for. In fact, the offer we accepted exceeded our expectations. The sale took longer than we would have liked, due to delays caused by the buyers' solicitor, but Michael was tenacious and must have worn his phone out keeping everyone informed of progress.

Nicola Watson, Seller

Homesearch are hands down the best agent I have ever worked with ! The team helped me in an extremely complex sale. Without the knowledge and experience of the whole team, my sale would not have completed. I dont normally write reviews, only when they are truly deserved. An exceptional team! Very kind and personable, reliable & trustworthy.

Leslie John, Seller

My experience with Homesearch is that they are professional, friendly and go above and beyond to ensure that something stressful like selling a house runs as smoothly and stress free as possible. They work hard to get the results and have kept me updated throughout the process. I honestly could not recommend them enough, they are easily the best company I’ve dealt with in the buying/selling houses field. And to top it all off, they always answer the phone in the most pleasant tone and always provide service with a smile.

Chanelle Hunte, Seller

Homesearch are PROFESSIONALS. I sold my property through Homesearch and I have not dealt with a more competent agency. Every single person  dealt with knew exactly what they were talking about and I can tell that they all have knowledge in the industry and were not just picked up from the street. From the get go I was impressed and I will certainly do business with them again.

Paul Hobbs, Seller

Many thanks Homesearch for locating professional corporate tenants for my property. I am very happy with your property management service as you always ensure that the tenants give the property back in good order at check out. Five Stars!

Maria Foran, Landlord

I have been absolutely delighted with the exceptional service I have received from Homesearch. They have removed all the stress & hassle of renting my property and dealt with all manner of situations I would have struggled with in such a professional & courteous manner. They give valuable unbiased advice with such a wealth of experience. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff, who are always friendly & helpful. Homesearch let and managed my property and I am very happy with their property management services, they are very knowledgeable.

Paula Carter, Landlord

Homesearch always do what they say they will do. They are efficient and raise any issues early and provide options to resolve them. Homesearch is very  easy to get hold of and talk to, no matter where I am in the world! My property is well looked after, regarding tradesmen, replacement of items swiftly etc. with the minimum of fuss.

David Connells, Landlord

From our first viewing right through to the present, Home Search were brilliant. They helped make the whole process quick and stress free and even now we are in and settled, they are still happy to assist us with any queries we may have. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Julie Maney

Home Search helped us move into our new flat smoothly and Tim was always happy to provide help to put our nerves at ease. Arranging a viewing was easy and Home Search were happy to open after hours for us to sign the paperwork. They were very helpful and often would offer to help! Having moved in we received a lovely card and they have always been swift in communicating with Usif we have any questions. Would recommend it.

Will Houghton

Michael and his team were simply amazing!! They helped us to find the perfect house, offering a nice and attentive service from the beginning through to the end. Thank you so much!! 5 stars service. Highly recommended!!!

Giordana Sicali

Very helpful and friendly staff. Tim, Michael and the team Made the whole renting experience easier.

Amol Sinare

I had a very difficult situation as I did not have a guarantor and my dad was earning enough but was not a homeowner. It took a about 3 weeks but Michael sorted it all out in the end and my dad became my guarantor. I got a lovely home and all the staff were very helpful including Paris, Zainab and Tim. Thank you all very much! Would recommend them to anyone

Misti Chakraborty

On behalf of myself, Noa & Niamh, we would like to start off by saying a massive thank you for the amazing service Home Search Ltd provided us with, especially highlighting the work of Clorissa. Within a week we were able to sign, seal and move into the property that we looked at, all down to Clorissa's prompt and effective work ethic, which allowed us a smooth transition from one property to another, without her, this move would not of been possible to have happened within the time stamp that it did. We are very grateful for the work that was done by Home Search Ltd, highly recommend.

Lewis Francis
How Much is Your Property Worth?

Expert Valuation

We always come armed with evidence and statistics of why we are pricing your property a certain way. We know the importance of getting the initial price of your property right, first time. With our extensive experience we will also explain current market conditions as we want to get our sellers the best price.

What's more, get a free gift with your free expert valuation with one of our experienced Valuer's.

Book a Valuation