Choosing the right location for a new build home

Moving home is something most people in the UK will experience in their lifetime. Statistics show that approximately 309,000 households in the UK wanted to move to another home as of January 2023, with a further 232,000 households planning to move soon. Either way, switching up the humble abode is on the agenda for much of the population. But what should you consider if you’re searching specifically for a new build home?

Home England states that their housing programmes have led to 36,378 new houses being started on-site and 32,990 houses being completed between April 2022 and 31st March 2023 alone. But while choosing the right property and location is important for the present day, it’s also sensible to think about what happens if you eventually decide to move elsewhere. Will your property appeal to a good proportion of buyers and retain its value? Having a long-term plan is just as important as having a short-term plan. Here’s what you should consider when choosing the right location for a new build home.

Budget and affordability

It’s no secret that different neighbourhoods and areas within the UK will be more suited to particular budgets. Identify what your budget looks like before you begin your search. It might be that your desired area is slightly too expensive to move to, in which case you might want to look at more budget-friendly neighbourhoods that surround this area.

A change in postcode can make a big difference when it comes to property prices. Having a budget in place means you won’t buy somewhere you can’t afford long-term.

Lifestyle needs

Take a look at your current lifestyle, as well as how you predict your lifestyle might change in the future. For example, you may have children or plan to have them in the future. You might also want to look at transport links that make commuting more feasible.

Take a look at your basic needs, so that you can assess whether an area has the amenities you’re looking for. Otherwise, you might find that your lifestyle isn’t suited to your immediate area.

Security

It’s always worth taking a look at local crime and assessing how safe you feel while walking through certain areas. Would you feel comfortable walking there alone or at night? You might want to see whether there are any neighbourhood watch initiatives running, or any law enforcement agencies nearby.

Check whether the house itself appears secure too, and judge whether you may need to spend money to improve this once you move in.

Transport

There are lots of things to consider when assessing local transport. Can you easily access main roads and motorways? Is there a train station nearby, or a reliable bus network? You should assess these factors in relation to your place of work, as this will be key once you live somewhere.

For instance, if you were to purchase a new home in Newcastle, you would be able to benefit from the city's excellent transit options, including the underground system, first-rate bus networks, and trains that connect the city to other locations throughout the UK and the suburbs.

Environmental

Environmental factors include the local climate, accessibility to green space and more. The build-up of your surrounding environment can impact your lifestyle, so it’s worth taking this into account.

For example, would it be beneficial to be located near a park so that you or any children can enjoy being outdoors?

To conclude…

It’s important to take the time to assess whether a new build property is conveniently located, on top of assessing the property itself. The quality of the surrounding environment, the convenience of certain amenities and the affordability of an area will play a large role in how you live your life there.