What are the best ways to search for a new home in UK?

How can you find your dream home? Some people just know, as soon as they see it. Others often need to refer to their checklists to decide if this home has everything they need. Nonetheless, the only way to find your dream home is by searching for it! But, nothing happens overnight. It usually takes months and months of house viewings, searching online and attending open houses to find the perfect home for you. If you are trying to find your dream home, here are some of the best ways to search for a new home in the UK.

 Get in touch with local estate agents

The best way to find a new home in the UK is by getting in touch with your local estate agents. For instance, if you are looking to buy a house in Doncaster then you need to get in touch with estate agents in Doncaster. Local agents have a good understanding of the market and they are usually the first to know when a new property is available. A good estate agent will have a plethora of properties in mind. So, once you explain to your estate agent exactly what it is that you are looking for, he or she will probably be able to present multiple options. Lastly, estate agents are experts in their fields for a reason; so why not leave the house hunting to the experts?

 Look at properties online

There are so many property portals and estate websites in the UK. Many sellers as well as their estate agents list properties on these websites and portals. You can check out websites such as Zoopla, Right Move, On The Market and various others. These websites allow you to filter properties based on size, location, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, special features, amenities and even price. Now, with virtual video tours and 360-degree videos of homes, you can literally view a house from the comfort of your own home. Property websites will give you a fair idea of the kind of properties available in the market, the average price of property in the market as well as the best locations to choose from.

Attend property auctions

If you’re looking to find good property at a good deal, you might want to start attending property auctions. However, be sure to do your due research before you start bidding at any property auction! We recommended attending a few property auctions to get the gist of things before buying a property at an auction yourself. And remember, once the bidding begins, things begin to get heated! But if you are looking to snag a good deal, or you’re looking at properties that usually are not available on the free market, then a property auction is ideal for you. Nowadays, online property auctions have also become pretty popular! Again, you must do your homework before buying property at an online auction.

 Drive around neighbourhoods that you like

While this may sound a little old school, this method does work! Make a list of a few neighbourhoods that you would potentially like to live in; if you are lucky enough, you might just see a ‘For Sale’ sign in the window. You can directly approach the seller or you can get in touch with their estate agent. While this process depends on sheer luck and can certainly take a long time, you might just find your dream house in the process!

 Consider buying off-plan properties

In simple words, off-plan properties are properties that are still under construction. The biggest advantage of buying an off-plan property is that you can get it much lower than the market value, sometimes even as low as 40 per cent under market value! While you may have to wait for the construction to finish before you can move in, this is a great option for people who are not in a rush. To buy an off-plan property, you need to get in touch with developers and builders directly. However, since you are buying directly the developers might make it worth your while by adding some extra furnishings, letting you choose the property of your choice or even exempting the stamp duty payment.