Type of home

• Do you want a new or an older house? If you are buying a very old one, make sure you have looked into what this can entail. Old houses can look lovely but can cost a lot in terms of maintenance and utilities.
• Newly-built homes can also have drawbacks, such as higher prices than “secondhand” ones, and the requirement to buy before full completion. However, advantages include less maintenance and decoration costs, and the convenience of wall-to-wall carpeting, window treatments and fitted kitchens being included in the price.
• Do you want a stand-alone or semi-detached home; a town house unit or a flat? If you want a flat, do you want a purpose-built one or a conversion? All have their advantages and disadvantages: consider safety, security, space, privacy, noise, parking and character. How much does each of these considerations matter to you?
• How much decorating or improvement do you wish to make to the property?