How to search for a new home: a step-by-step guide

Key takeaways

• Setting a realistic budget. Considering your deposit, mortgage affordability and moving costs can help you focus on properties within your price range
• Researching locations carefully. Looking at transport links, schools, local amenities and future development plans can help you compare different areas more effectively
• Creating a list of needs and wants. Identifying your priorities before viewing properties can make it easier to assess which homes best meet your requirements
• Comparing properties consistently. Assessing factors such as size, energy efficiency, storage and parking can help you make a more informed comparison between homes
• Taking notes during viewings. Recording key details and asking questions can help you remember important information when reviewing different properties later
• Avoiding decisions based on appearance alone. Looking beyond first impressions can help you focus on practical considerations such as the home’s condition, layout and long-term suitability
• Obtaining a Decision in Principle (DIP). This indicates how much you may be able to borrow for a mortgage, helping you understand your budget before actively searching for a home

Start by setting a realistic budget

Before beginning your home search, obtaining a Decision in Principle (DIP) is essential for understanding how much you can realistically afford to borrow from a mortgage lender. This helps you stay within your budget when searching for a new home.

Costs to consider beyond the purchase price

Many home buyers focus primarily on the purchase price, but several additional costs can come with buying a home.

Having a clear picture of your finances from the start may help narrow your search and avoid disappointment later in the process. When planning how to budget for a new home, buyers may want to account for the following costs:

Decide what you need in a home

One of the most important parts of searching for a new home is identifying what matters most to you. It can be tempting to focus on a property's attractive features, but practical requirements often have a greater impact on your day-to-day life.

Think about your current circumstances and future plans. Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms required, commuting distances and storage requirements. Having a clear understanding of your priorities can help streamline your search and prevent unnecessary compromises.

Needs vs wants: checklist for homebuyers

When addressing your needs vs wants, you can use our checklist below to outline what matters most:

How to choose the right location

While properties can be renovated or extended over time, their location remains the same, making it an influential factor when choosing a new home.

When evaluating a location, you may want to consider factors such as:

• Transport connections. This can affect commuting times to workplaces and schools
• Schools, local amenities and healthcare facilities. These aspects can play a role in everyday convenience
• Access to green spaces and leisure facilities. This may help to contribute to long-term satisfaction
• Future development plans in the area. This could influence local infrastructure, amenities and property values over time

What to research before choosing an area

There are a few topics you may want to research before choosing an area for your new home. These can include:

• Commuting times and availability of public transport
• Nearby schools, local amenities and healthcare services
• Whether there are green spaces or parks in the area
• Plans for major development
• Property prices in recent years

Where to search for homes

Today's home buyers can use multiple sources to help create a broader picture of available homes and developments. Property portals remain a popular starting point, offering searchable databases of homes for sale. Local estate agents may also offer area-specific knowledge and can notify prospective buyers of suitable properties coming onto the market.

Where to search for new-build homes

For your new-build home search, homebuilder websites can provide detailed information about developments, floor plans, availability and schemes. You may also be able to explore virtual tours, specification details and local area information before arranging a viewing.

How to compare properties effectively

When viewing multiple homes, it can become difficult to remember the strengths and weaknesses of each property. A consistent comparison process can make decision-making easier. Consider assessing every property against the same criteria, which might include:

• Purchase price and overall affordability
• Property size and room layout
• Storage space throughout the property
• Parking availability
• Outdoor space and gardens
• Transport connections
• Proximity to schools and local amenities
• Potential suitability for your future needs

A simple scoring system can help you compare options more objectively and reduce the influence of first impressions alone.

Making the most of property viewings

A property viewing is an opportunity to assess whether a home suits your lifestyle and requirements. Preparing in advance can help you gather the information you need to compare properties effectively.

To make the most of your viewings, you may want to:

• Review the property details before attending
• Bring a checklist of your priorities and requirements
• Prepare questions in advance
• Assess both the property and the surrounding area
• Consider visiting the area at different times of day or on different days of the week

Our property viewing checklist includes additional guidance.

Questions to ask during a viewing

Wondering what to ask during a viewing? Here are a few questions you may want to discuss with the housebuilder or estate agent:

• What are the estimated running costs of the property?
• How energy efficient is the home?
• What parking arrangements are available?
• Are there any service charges or management fees?
• What local amenities are nearby?
• Are there any planned developments in the area?

What to avoid when searching for a home

Even experienced home buyers can encounter challenges during their property search. Knowing common pitfalls can help you stay focused throughout the process. These can include:

• Searching before establishing a clear budget
• Overlooking moving and ongoing household costs
• Failing to research the local area thoroughly
• Not creating a list of needs and wants
• Viewing too few properties before making a decision
• Ignoring future lifestyle requirements

Explore our range of new developments to see what’s available with Barratt Homes.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak with a mortgage, financial or legal adviser for more information regarding your specific circumstances.