Location, location, location

It is important to research an area before making an offer on a house there – even before you start viewing homes in that area.

If you decide it is not the kind of neighbourhood you would enjoy living in, then save yourself a lot of time and effort by not hunting in the area.

Even if you can get a bigger home for your money in an area which isn't so nice, make sure you really are doing the right thing.

You can always make changes to a house, but you can’t make changes to a neighbourhood.

• What is the neighbourhood like? Is it the kind of place you can imagine yourself feeling comfortable in? Who lives there?
• What kind of amenities are there? Check out leisure facilities, activities for kids, shops, public transport and so on.
• What is the level of crime in the neighbourhood?
• What is the condition of other homes on the street? If they are in a state of disrepair, or look as they might be soon, it could bring down the value of your property.