The old adage still rings true: buying property is all about location, location, location. Ensuring that your new home is situated in an area that’s desirable for many to live in reflects positively on house prices, keeping your investment sound for the future.

However, moving to a new city or an unfamiliar part of town will mean putting some time and effort into researching the area, as there are a number of factors that could directly affect both the value of your property and the general standard of living…

Transport links

Whether you drive or not, living in a city can sometimes mean a distinct lack of parking or vehicle access in the centre of town.

Being able to catch a bus or train to wherever you need to go will make your daily commute or getting to the shops at the weekend a whole lot easier, while good transport links are always a major plus point when you come to resell the property.

Schools

For those with children (or with children on the way), schools are always a major consideration when moving to a new location. Most schools will give enrolment priority to children that are living within the same catchment area (although this is not always a guarantee), so do some research into the local educational facilities.

Both the Ofsted and the Department for Education and Skills inspection reports are available to view, giving an indication as to performance.

Crime Rates

This is something that many consider a deal-breaker when it comes to selecting a new area. Crime statistics are easily accessible online, with UK databases covering all residential streets, but these will often not tell the whole story.

Try to get an idea of what the area is like by visiting it at different times of day and night, walking around the streets in the vicinity of your new home, and don’t be scared to talk to local police forces and community support organisations to get a more rounded picture.

Local Amenities

Look out for signs of regeneration or development. While this may be an inconvenience during construction, the resulting facilities could have a positive impact on property prices in the area. What type of shops are nearby? Will you need to travel far for groceries?

Hospitals, restaurants and leisure facilities are always a bonus, indicating a thriving and active locality.

Community

It may not be the first thing that’s taken into consideration when relocating to a new area, but the local community could make a huge difference to how well you settle into your new home.

Particularly in rural areas, an active community spirit can create a fun and sociable place to live, but make sure that there isn’t too much pressure to get involved with the village activities if you are a more private person.

In more urban localities, consider the makeup of the community around you. Is it a noisy student area? If so, it may not be too conducive to raising a young family or embarking on a quiet retirement.

Environmental

Environmental issues are important, too. Be sure to check if there are any conservation limitations in place surrounding your property (this could impact any planned extensions), and be careful to consider if the immediate area is at risk from natural events, such as flooding or erosion.

Moving to a new location can be exciting, but be sure to take a little time to really get to know the area.

For over 40 years, Chappell's Removals have been providing the highest quality removals and storage services to customers throughout Surrey and the wider South London region. Our experts are on hand to make your move a smooth and stress-free process, helping you to quickly settle into your new area.

Get in touch with the friendly team at Chappell’s Removals today to find out more.