Back

5 Things to Consider When Buying a House

Mar 07, 2025
5 things to consider when buying a house
Buying a house is a daunting yet exciting milestone. Your home is probably going to be one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, so it’s important to find the right one. Here are some things to consider when buying a house.  
 

1. Your budget 

Firstly, you’ll need to set a budget so you can search for properties in your price range. Calculate the funds you have saved to assess the amount you have for a deposit. Then, you can organise a mortgage in principle (MIP) to find out how much you can borrow for a mortgage. 
 
With a clearer idea of your price range, you can begin the exciting search for your new home. You might assume that a property’s asking price is the exact amount you’ll have to pay. However, the reality is that most sellers will negotiate and accept offers lower than the asking price. 
 
Be realistic about what you can afford, but don’t completely rule out a property that’s slightly out of your price range. It can be worth asking the estate agent or developer if the seller is likely to accept a lower offer. 
 

2. House type and size  

The next thing to consider when buying a house is your ideal house type and size. 
 
Think about whether you want an apartment, a house or another property type. This will help narrow down your search, particularly when looking online. 
 
Consider other factors, too, such as your preferred number of bedrooms and whether you want ample garden space or a driveway or garage. It may be beneficial to write a list of non-negotiables and things you would be happy to compromise on. This will save you time, as you can rule out properties that don’t match your criteria. 
 
You should also think about your long-term requirements. If you’re planning to stay in the house for a substantial amount of time, you may want to consider if you’re going to need extra room for little ones or pets. 
 
If you’re looking for a very specific type of property, you may find that there aren’t currently any suitable options on the market – but don’t feel discouraged. Keep searching, and eventually you’ll find just what you’re looking for. 
 

3. Location and commute time 

Location is another key factor to consider when buying a house. 
 
Again, it can be useful to write a list of your location priorities. For example, some homebuyers don’t mind living on a main road, whereas others prefer a quieter setting on a cul-de-sac or side road. 
 
When you visit a property, check how far it is from the nearest shops, schools and recreational places and whether it offers access to travel routes. You’ll also need to think about your commute and assess how easy the journey from your new home to your workplace is. 
 
Take a pragmatic approach and consider a range of factors that may affect your location choice. For example, you could view properties at different times of the day to highlight any issues, such as traffic noise. 
 
Even chatting with neighbours can be useful, as they can provide an insight into what it’s like to live in that neighbourhood. If you’ve got your sights set on a specific location, sign up for alerts on websites like Rightmove to be the first to hear about the properties there. 
 

4. Schools 

If you have kids, or plan to in the future, it’s helpful to research the schools in the area you want to move to. 
 
Look at the schools’ OFSTED ratings, websites and catchment areas. Often, multiple schools will have overlapping catchment areas, so there may be more than one option to consider. If you have younger children and plan to stay in the area, be sure to research the secondary schools as well. 
 

5. Energy efficiency 

In our current climate, energy efficiency in homes is becoming increasingly important. An energy-efficient home can help reduce your environmental impact and could save you money on your energy bills over time. 
 
Our homes are built with highly thermally efficient insulation and argon-filled double-glazing as standard, which allows the heat from the sun in whilst minimising heat loss. 
 
This means you could enjoy lower energy bills, whatever the weather, with your brand-new home being up to 63% cheaper to run. As a result, you could save up to £2,200 per year on your energy bills.  
 
Explore our new homes across the UK, with fantastic offers to help you move. Contact our Sales Advisers today to discuss your options.  
 

Related Articles