The Homebuyer Checklist: Key Basics to Consider When Planning a Move

Deciding to move to a new property has always been seen as a massive step to take. However, if research is to be believed, the idea has only become more significant in recent years.

For example, back in 2018, figures produced for the BBC revealed that people in the UK used to move around four times after making their first purchase. However, since 2008 the pace of buying and selling has shifted, with homeowners being more likely to move just twice.

Making a start

With that in mind, it could be argued that people may well be thinking very carefully about their next steps when it comes to property. Not only that, but they may also want to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible once they decide to ultimately go down that road.

There are many different things to think about when buying a new home, but what are the key issues that you should be considering from the outset? Here, we have pulled together just three suggestions on how to make a strong, confident start on the matter.

1. Get mortgage advice

Being able to secure the right mortgage will be vital in your efforts to buy a property, and it is fair to say there are plenty of different products out there. For instance, as Trussle’s mortgage guide highlights, deals range from special first-time buyer products to those for buy-to-let investments, while there are also fixed and variable rate options.

Getting advice from a mortgage broker or financial advisor is essential if you want to get a proper understanding of what is available. They will also be able to help you determine the amount you can borrow, which will of course confirm whether you can afford the property of your dreams. While finding out exactly what you could afford may sometimes be disappointing, it does save time in the long run and helps ensure the health of your finances. 

2. Ask for quotes

When you are sure that it is time to move, you should start looking into some of the wider issues which will need to be addressed. For instance, you will require legal support during the transaction, so do some research into firms and get quotes from them.

You will also need to think about how you intend to move your belongings, so start early with getting quotes for removal services or van hire if you intend to do the heavy lifting yourself. The latter could be a good option if you’re on a budget, as Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental explains that hiring a van can be three times cheaper than asking a company to do the job.

Source: Pexels

3. Consider other costs

There are other costs linked to moving house that you should look into too. For example, are you aware of how much it may cost to secure buildings and contents cover for the property? It is worth assessing this so that you do not get any surprises further down the line.

Also, depending on where you live, what about local tax? Properties fall into different valuation bands and each state has different rates, so use online resources to determine what you can expect to pay before you make the move, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Start preparing today

Moving house is a big moment in any person’s life, but proper preparation can help you begin the process on the right footing. We hope the ideas above prove useful as you look to begin a new chapter in your life.