Here’s a stat that might surprise you. In our survey of 2,000 first-time buyers, more than two-thirds bought their first home in an area they’d never been to before they started looking where to live.
It’s because they couldn’t find or couldn’t afford what they wanted in their first-choice neighbourhood. 36% said they decided to move from their current area simply to find better value. After all, what buys you a plush palace in some parts of the country might only get you a microscopic micro-flat in others.
But before you do the same, and move somewhere unfamiliar, seek answers to the following questions. You don’t want to move to Crouch End or Boggy Bottom only to find it’s not what you wanted.
Is the area on the up?
A house is first and foremost a home. But it’s also a long-term investment. So, when you’re choosing where to live, think about whether prices in the area might go up or down. Is the area ‘up-and-coming’ or has it well and truly arrived?
Buying somewhere on the up could mean your home’s value accelerates faster. But it could be a gamble if the area never becomes as fashionable as you thought.
You can often find up-and-coming areas next to towns or suburbs that are already fashionable. Look for signs of ‘gentrification’. That’s when new up-market shops, cafes and restaurants spring up.
You could also research whether the council is regenerating the area. Maybe a high street makeover or a new leisure centre is on the way. All these things could boost the local economy and push house prices higher.
But remember, there’s usually a good reason why prices are lower in some areas than others. No amount of gentrification can turn a town next to a chemical plant into the next Notting Hill.
Your other option, of course, is to buy in an established hot spot if you can afford it. Our mortgage calculators can help here. But don’t forget there’s a flipside: prices in trendy areas might have topped out already.
Does it have the right amenities for you?
This one depends on your personal taste. If you’re young and fancy-free, you might prefer somewhere with plenty of restaurants and bars. Nightclubs will be more important than kids’ clubs.
But if you’ve got a family, you might want something more like Stratford Upon Avon than Stratford in London. Parks and playgrounds will be more important than cocktails and karaoke.
There are other factors to consider too. How close is the local supermarket? Where’s the nearest post office? How far away is the nearest doctors? And don’t forget to check out the school catchment areas if you’ve got little ‘uns. This can be a big deal when you’re deciding where to live.
What about the transport links?
Check out the local bus routes, train station, taxi ranks, and tube / tram lines before you buy. And think about where the nearest airport is. Good transport options can really put an area on the map.
Consider the roads before giving an area the green light too. How quickly can you get on an A-road or motorway? And what’s the traffic like in rush hour?
Finally, it’s a good idea to do a practice run if you commute to work. Is the journey doable? Are the roads jammed? Are the trains packed? A bad commute can make a day in the office even harder work.
Is it the right environment?
Choosing where to live isn’t all about money and amenities. Green spaces for leisure, exercise, and relaxation are important as well.
Having a nearby park where you can stretch your legs, play frisbee or take your Labradoodle for a runaround can really improve your wellbeing.
There’s air quality to think about too. And look out for any nearby pylons, mobile phone masts or electric substations. Even if they don’t bother you, they might bother others and make the home harder to sell in the future.
Flood risk is another thing to investigate before you get in too deep. You can check the government website to see if floodplains impact an area.
Finally, it’s worth checking the local authority’s website to see if any new developments are on the way. These can be good for the economy but bad for your mood if they’re literally on your doorstep.
Is your home on the right side of town?
One side of a town or suburb can be very different from another. They might even have different council tax rates. So, drill down street by street.
Visit the neighbourhood at different times of day. You might discover that what looks like a quiet pub on the corner turns into a noisy nightclub in the evenings. Nobody likes DJs when they’re in their PJs.
Try to think about people traffic as well. Is there a sports stadium or tourist hotspot nearby? And is the home you’re eyeing up located on a ‘rat run’ (a small street local people use to avoid traffic)?
Last, but not least, think about local crime rates when you’re choosing where to live. You can find crime maps per postcode on the police website. You could read the local newspaper too. This often gives a flavour of what an area’s really like.
Listen to both your heart and head
It’s a big step to move to a new area, especially if it means leaving family and friends behind. You’ll want to make sure that both your heart and your head say ‘yes’.
So, spend some time in the neighbourhood, get a gut feel and decide whether you can see yourself living there.
And always do your homework. Buying a home is a big investment, so make your chosen area your new area of expertise.
This content was accurate when published on 09/06/26.
Already found a new pad? Then check out My Home Manager for packing tips and more. Buying for the first time? Check out our First Time Buyer Hub, where you’ll find borrowing options and other info to get you ready for the big move.