House-hunting is exciting… until you’re ten tabs deep, comparing floor plans, and wondering where to even start. The good news? A little structure goes a long way.
Whether you’re buying your first home or planning your next move, this guide breaks down a simple, realistic approach to finding the right property near you, with less stress and more confidence.
Related: Why sell with Northwood?
Start with your “non-negotiables”
Before you browse a single listing, get clear on what you actually need, like bedroom numbers now and in the future, outdoor space or parking, storage, and whether you’ll need a dedicated workspace for working from home. It also helps to decide what style suits you best (flat or house, modern or character, low-maintenance or a project). To stay focused, write two quick lists: must-haves and nice-to-haves. They’ll keep you grounded when the options start to feel overwhelming.
Set your budget properly (not just the asking price)
A realistic budget is more than a number you like the sound of. It’s the figure you can comfortably afford once all the additional costs are included.
Make sure you:
- Speak to a mortgage broker early
- Arrange a Mortgage in Principle (MIP)
- Factor in legal fees, surveys, removals, and Stamp Duty (where applicable)
- Decide your maximum spend and stick to it
If you’re in a strong financial position from the start, you’ll be ready to move quickly when the right home comes along.
Choose an area that suits your day-to-day life
Two houses can be identical on paper, but feel totally different depending on the street, the neighbours, and what life looks like nearby.
Ask yourself:
- What’s your commute like (now and potentially in the future)?
- Are transport links reliable?
- What are schools and local amenities like?
- Do you want quiet, lively, or somewhere in between?
- Will this location still make sense in five years?
If you can, visit the area at different times, such as weekday mornings, evenings and weekends, because the day-to-day atmosphere can tell you far more than a listing ever will.
Related: Bespoke By Northwood | A Premium Property Selling Service
Use property portals wisely
Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket are great for getting a sense of what’s available, but the key is to make them work for you by using filters to narrow results, saving your searches and switching on alerts, and checking listings regularly because good properties move fast.
You can also browse homes for sale directly on the Northwood website, where local branches showcase their latest listings.
Register with a local agent to get ahead of the crowd
Portals are useful, but local knowledge is what really gives you an edge. A good agent can explain pricing trends and what represents genuine value, highlight in-demand areas and school catchments, share homes that may be coming soon, and help you understand what your budget can realistically achieve locally.
At Northwood, our local teams can also contact you when something suitable comes in, which often means you’ll hear about a home before it’s widely advertised.
Related: The costs of selling your home in the UK
Don’t skip the checks (even if you love it)
When you find a property you’re excited about, it’s tempting to rush, but a little due diligence can save you big headaches later. Build in time to book a professional survey, check local planning applications nearby, visit at different times of day, and speak to neighbours if you can.
This isn’t about being negative; it’s about buying with clarity.
Make an offer with confidence
If you’re ready (MIP sorted, solicitor lined up), you’ll be taken more seriously, and you’ll feel more in control.
The buying process usually follows this path:
- Offer agreed
- Solicitors instructed
- Survey and mortgage finalised
- Exchange of contracts (deposit paid)
- Completion day (keys collected)
A local agent will help keep communication moving and guide you through the typical sticking points.
Related: Mortgage Advice
Check what support is available for first-time buyers
Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for schemes designed to make buying more achievable.
Common options include:
- Shared Ownership: buy a share, pay rent on the rest
- First Homes: discounted homes for local buyers (where available)
- Lifetime ISA (LISA): government bonus on savings (if eligible)
Availability varies by area, so it’s worth asking early in your search.
Ready to start your search with Northwood?
The best home searches aren’t the ones with the most tabs open, they’re the ones with a clear plan.
By setting your priorities, getting your finances in shape, and combining portal browsing with local expertise, you’ll put yourself in the strongest position to find the right home near you.
At Northwood, our local teams are here to help you navigate the process from first viewing to moving day.
Browse properties for sale or contact your local Northwood branch to get started.
