10 questions to ask before you move to a new area

1. Do I have friends in the area?

It can be helpful to know a few people in the area you are moving to – friends, distant relations or even friends of friends. If you already have a network in the area, however small it may be, you may find it easier to settle.

Getting advice from people you meet in the area itself could help, whether they recommend house removals companies, electricians or plumbers etc. They can also tell you about the best local amenities, restaurants, bars, or places for a day out with the kids.

2. Which parts of the area should I avoid?

Every area has good and bad parts. Figuring out which is which usually takes a bit of research. Speak to your friends and use the police website to compare the crime rates in different neighbourhoods.

Take a stroll around the neighbourhood during the day and also at night. Viewing it at different times can be beneficial as you will have seen all aspects of the area.

3. Is the property I want available for my budget?

If you dream of owning a four-bedroom detached home but can realistically afford a two-bedroom terrace in the area you want, this might not be the right time for a move. It’s important to understand what you can afford from the outset to ensure you are not disheartened along the way.

4. What is the cost of living in the area?

It can be helpful to weigh up local purchasing costs in the area. If you’re going to be relying on city convenience stores for your shopping this will usually be more expensive than a supermarket. Will your car insurance premium go up substantially? Will you need to pay for parking? How much will your council tax be? Depending on where you move, these things could be more expensive.

5. Are there good schools in the area?

Whether you have children now or are planning to have them in the future, it can be helpful to look at the schools in your chosen area. Have they been rated outstanding or good by Ofsted? Are they oversubscribed? If you have school-aged children and will be moving during the school year, do they have places available? Ideally visit a few schools and speak to the head teacher to see if the school is the right fit for your child.

6. What are the career prospects like?

Are there lots of job opportunities in the area you wish to move? Even if you have already secured a job it’s worth asking yourself this question. How do the salaries compare to where you are now? Will you be able to advance up the career ladder or will you be restricted? If you already have a role, does the company culture appeal? What are the Glassdoor reviews like?

7. What is the local transport network like?

This is an essential question to pose if you’ll be commuting every day for work. You’ll want to understand if there is a local railway station and how far this it is from your home, how regular the services are and how much a weekly, monthly or annual travel pass costs. You’ll also want to understand how close you are to the motorway network and nearby airports.

8. What will I miss when I move?

The grass might be greener in your new area, but there may be things you’ll miss as you say goodbye to your former home. This could be family and friends who live nearby, your favourite restaurant, hairdresser or even shops.

9. What will I gain when I move?

Moving home is a new adventure, the chance for a fresh start. Try and list all the things you’ll be gaining. This could include a better work/life balance if you’re shortening your commute, a larger home, more work opportunities, the chance to try new things and learn about different cultures.

10. How can I find a new house?

There are a number of ways to pick the perfect location and home at the start of your search. To find your ideal new build home, visit our website to discover a David Wilson Home in an area you love.