If so, here are some things to consider before taking on your first project:

Do your research
If you’ve spotted a property, make sure you do your homework first. Check how long the property has been up for sale. If it’s for a lengthy period, it’s possible the profit returns may not be that high. Imagine you are buying the property for yourself, what would be the things that would be important you? The chances are your potential buyer will be looking for similar things. Bear the following in mind:

• How noisy is the area? Train-lines are just one example of a potential source of sleepless nights that your buyer or tenant may want to avoid. Check local websites for night-clubs, football stadiums, flight-paths, and even emergency services, those sirens might put people off.
• Find out the cost of living in the area. Do your homework with local authorities – council taxes vary enormously depending on band and district. A high monthly bill could put people off.
• Is your potential buyer likely to have a car? If so, is the garage is big enough to get into and leave room to open the doors – seriously! If the property only has on-street parking how easy is it to park? How secure are vehicles parked on the road? Go to upmystreet.com’s Local Area section where you can search by postcode for the latest police crime statistics & car theft break-ins.
• It’s impossible to guard completely against crime, but try walking around the area at pub closing time before you commit. Instincts are a good guide here – if you don’t feel safe, there’s probably a reason.

Ask the experts
Once you have identified a good opportunity, ask the experts for their advice on what needs doing.  Roofers, timber and damp specialists and electricians will charge nothing or very little for an estimate, but their knowledge and pricing will be more beneficial to you than a surveyor in the initial stages.

How much work is involved?
This depends on the property, but don't bite off more than you can chew. An older property there will often require significant work. If not initially, there will be jobs to do once you have bought it. Don't be afraid to make a lot of visits with every type of tradesman in order to know what you're letting yourself in for!

For a good first experience of renovating, try doing up a dated property rather than a wreck. A new kitchen, bathroom, central heating, carpets and re-decoration will transform something dingy to desirable. You can always leave the architects, specialists and planning department to another time when confidence and funds are more plentiful.

Funding
Be prepared. Most people find that property development projects often end up costing twice as much as they initially thought. It is advisable to set yourself a budget and build in some contingency funding – 15 per cent of the total cost is a good guideline.
You could start your renovation with a small cash fund, and once you've re-decorated and carpeted, the overall improvement should allow a small re-mortgage. This can be used for a new kitchen and reinstating period features such as fireplaces.

After the howling gales, floods and short dark days of winter, it’s a joy to finally see the budding of flowers and blossoming of trees. The bursting of colour within our gardens is a sure sign that Spring is on its way, heralding the time to get outside and ensure your property passes the ‘curb appeal’ test. Traditionally a buoyant time of year for marketing a property, you need to take action now to ensure your garden plays its part in selling your home:

1. Clear the winter debris from your lawn. When the grass is no longer sopping wet, rake your lawn to remove dead growth, stray twigs and leaves and bring much welcomed light and air to the soil.

2. Re-seed bare lawns. Scratch the soil surface and liberally apply with grass seed! Keep watered until the seeds germinate and new grass is established.

3. Cut back last seasons dead foliage. Transplant any existing shrubs before they leaf out. Trim dead leaves, branches and grasses and use the trimmings to start this years compost heap.

4. Resist the urge to dig your flowerbeds too soon. If your soil is clumped and doesn’t easily fall apart in your hands, you can damage the soils structure by digging too early. Wait until it’s dry before adding compost; but start the weeding now!

5. Repair any broken fences or garden furniture that may have been damaged over winter.

The daffodils are in full bloom and there are glimpses of sunshine and we move into Spring! Time to freshen everything up after the long dark Winter. If you're planning to give your lifestyle a makeover, your home is a big part of that. We've put together ten ways to help organise your home and breathe a new lease of life into it, without having to do any major alterations.

Be ruthless – have a clear out!

There's something therapeutic about having a clear out! Clear out the drawers and paperwork of all those things you've been hanging onto for the last ten years! If you've not looked at them for at least 5 years, the chances are you really don't need them. Create a recycling point and start categorising where you plan to move your stuff; tip, charity shop or sale room.

Get that paint brush out!

Give your front door a welcoming new look , the skirting boards a gleaming new look and even the kitchen cabinets can be transformed and updated with a lick of paint.

Rethink the colour scheme of a room

Even something as simple as buying a new duvet cover and cushions can have an immediate impact on a room. Or, go the whole yard and give the room a complete overhaul, treat yourself to some Hygge this 2017!

Tidy up the garden

Now that Spring is well under way, it’s time to start tidying up your garden. Whether it’s adding a vegetable patch or creating a decking area for the summer BBQs, make sure it’s all ready for when the weather improves!

Organise your home room-by-room

Deep clean of your home!  Traditionally the time for a 'Spring-clean', give those cupboards a sort out. Empty, clean and re-organise the kitchen cupboards, re-organise your wardrobes, steam clean and re-grout the bathroom tiles and  shampoo the carpets. Then treat yourself afterwards for a job well done!

Give that spare room some purpose

Is your spare room turning into a dumping ground? Why not turn it into something useful? You could make it into a home gym, a games room or even an office.

Upcycle 

Have you checked out Pinterest ? It's a great resource for getting ideas about how to transform  old furniture into a sleek new piece of furniture. You could turn a bedframe into a bench for the garden or an old cot into a desk for the kids. Before you throw anything out, why not see if it could serve another purpose?

Rearrange the furniture 

Give your home a fresh new feeling by re-arranging the furniture. The ancient art of Feng Shui takes the placement of furniture to a whole new level and is said to affect your mood, energy levels, health and well being. For tips and ideas take a look at: http://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/Feng_Shui_Living_Room

Accessorize 

Hang wall art, introduce a new rug or colour coordinated cushions, add a plant or new  lighting to spruce up your space and make you feel cosy, comfortable and at home.

Get creative with a new space 

Add a new window seat, working area, snug space or a designated quiet seating area within your home. A new space will give you somewhere to relax and unwind or provide a space to focus on your plans for later this year.

This Spring why not treat your home to an uncluttered and refreshed look? Any of our ideas above will get you off to a flying start!

Practical Advice for Identifying and Dealing with Damp

Damp can cause a wide range of problems for just about anybody, from homeowners to landlords. Not only is the smell unpleasant, it can be extremely dangerous to our health! This post is going to help you to identify damp and deal with it properly. 

Musty Smells
If there’s a musty smell in the home, this is a huge sign that you have a damp problem. Your clothes and things may also start to smell damp and musty. They may not dry properly, either.

Discolouration of The Walls and Ceilings
Discolouration of the walls and ceilings can indicate a damp issue as the problem spreads.

Lifting Wallpaper
Lifting wallpaper is usually due to moisture creeping in to places it shouldn’t be.

A Chilly, Damp Feeling
In your home you may experience a general chilly, damp feeling when damp is present.

Algae and Mould On External Walls
Algae and mould may be present on external walls if you have damp, but it may also show up on other surfaces too.

You need to bear in mind that damp is a symptom, not a cause. Things like a leaky pipe can be fixed to eradicate damp, but in some cases, the cause is natural. Damp could be due to garden soil, or even water from somewhere nearby.

You don’t necessarily need to call in a professional, but if your damp problem is serious then it’s a good idea to do so. Here are a number of ways you can prevent damp:

• Do your outdoor home maintenance. Keeping gutters clear and your outdoor brickwork healthy can help to prevent damp.
• Maintaining a constant temperature in your home is best. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature for a longer period of time during the day is a good idea.
• Keeping your home well-ventilated is a must. Extractor fans should be installed in your bathroom and kitchen.
• Take care creating moisture in the home, such as drying your clothes and cooking.
• Using a dehumidifier can reduce excess moisture.
• Moisture resistant paints and other finishes can help your decor to resist mould and other damp symptoms.

A Landlord’s Obligations For a Property Let To Tenants

There are many different things that cause damp, so it is never automatically the tenant’s or the landlord’s fault. However, from a legal standpoint, it is a landlord’s responsibility to fix rising and penetrating damp.

Some landlords may feel that it is their tenant’s responsibility to alter their lifestyle so they are not creating as much moisture. Damp caused by condensation is usually caused by things like long showers and baths, cooking, hanging washing inside, etc. However, it’s worth remembering that it can be impossible for a tenant to eliminate damp altogether, no matter how well ventilated a property is. It’s better for landlords in the long run to invest in things to help ventilate the property, rather than do nothing – regardless of who’s ‘fault’ the damp seems to be.

Dealing with damp quickly and effectively is crucial once the cause has been identified.

Screening potential tenants – 5 questions you should ask

As increasing numbers of people choose to rent a home, with economic challenges and rising property prices making it difficult for many to get onto the property ladder, the UK lettings market is stronger than ever.

This is good news for both landlords and letting agents, but with a larger number of potential tenants, it follows that the screening process is even more important to ensure you let to the right people.

No landlord wants tenants who damage their property, fail to pay the rent or cause problems through anti-social behaviour, and a thorough initial process can minimise those risks.

In the worst case, problems can lead to solicitors’ fees and court costs in an attempt to obtain an eviction order, resulting in a lot of stress and expense. Taking steps to find tenants who are reliable and trustworthy, as well as financially secure, is common sense.

Asking potential tenants to fill out an application form is a simple way of acquiring relevant information that will help you decide who you want to live in your property. While it’s important not to pry too far into people’s lives, there are several pertinent questions you should ask.

Employment history

This not only allows you to find out whether the potential tenant currently earns enough to cover rental costs, but also gives you some insight into their reliability. A steady work history is reassuring, whereas long periods of unemployment or signs that someone switches jobs frequently might merit further investigation. You can also ask for a letter from the prospective tenant’s current employer to confirm the details of their employment and salary.

Financial information

A credit check provides valuable information about someone’s financial past. While one or two missed payments doesn’t necessarily mean someone will be a bad tenant, a poor overall credit score or a history of late or non-payment will raise a red flag.

Current debts should also be taken into consideration as these could affect someone’s ability to pay the rent.

You have the right to request copies of the prospective tenant’s bank statements, usually for between the previous three to six months, but bear in mind that they also have the right to refuse. Asking to see payslips instead might be a good compromise.

Details of previous addresses/landlords

Check out any residential history, including the tenant’s reasons for leaving previous rental properties. Ask for the contact details of former landlords; if they are a bad tenant, the current one may give a favourable report because they want to get them out of their accommodation. If your potential tenant is unwilling to supply this information, it may be something you want to look into further.

Lifestyle & personal interests

Some landlords would prefer not to rent to smokers or pet owners at all. Others might be ok with someone who has a cat, but wouldn’t want a tenant who owned three large dogs. This is entirely down to personal choice, but don’t forget to ask so that you can make an informed decision. You will also want to know who will be living in your property – whether it’s a single person, a couple, or a family with small children for example.

Personal references

Any thorough screening process should include obtaining personal references. Ask for full names, their relationship to your potential tenant and length of acquaintance, and contact details that include a phone number – and make sure you follow them up.

Some landlords may also request a DBS check (Disclosure & Barring Service – formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau or CRB check) which can reveal whether someone has been convicted of any criminal offences. While not a common practice when it comes to renting out property, it is an option for those who feel it is necessary.

Bear in mind that tenants may ask for details of any information, such as a credit report, that is the cause of their application being rejected so ensure you keep copies of any reports and paperwork in case this happens.

Viewing a property – what you should look for

It’s easy to get carried away when searching for a new place to live. You want to find your dream home, your own safe haven.

But even if you get that “this is the one” feeling as soon as you walk through the door, be sure to check it out properly. Your home is one of the most important and expensive purchases you’ll ever make; it may be the place you live for many years.

Don’t remember all the things you should have looked for after you’ve left. Instead, keep these tips in mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Look for signs of damp

There may be some clear indications, such as a musty smell and mould or mildew on the walls or ceilings. Perhaps the plaster is flaking away or there are blisters on the paintwork. But damp isn’t always obvious, especially if a room has been recently decorated to cover it up. Make sure you look closely near the ceilings and around skirting boards.

Does the structure seem sound?

If you decide to go ahead and make an offer then a survey will be part of the buying process, but keep your eyes open for warning signs. Hairline cracks aren’t unusual, but large ones could mean there’s a problem. Examine the areas where any extensions adjoin the main structure and, if there are bay windows, see if they are bowing or falling away.

Which way does the property face?

You might not have your heart set on a south-facing garden or a bedroom where you wake to the sunrise, but where light falls at different times of the day makes a big difference to how a home feels and how well plants and flowers will grow. It’s worth checking, and if you have a smartphone it’s quick and easy to do – most models have a built-in compass.

Is it big enough?

You might love the place, but make sure there are enough rooms for your needs and that they’re big enough for your furniture. How much storage space is there? Is there room to install extra cupboards and shelves, or for free-standing units? Newer properties especially can be short on places to stash objects out of view, so think about where you’ll keep items like your vacuum cleaner or ironing board.

Pay attention to roofs and windows

If the property has wooden window frames and you can push your finger into them easily, they are likely to be rotten. If it has double-glazing and you can see condensation between the panes, this indicates the seals have gone. Don’t be afraid to ask how old the roof is, especially if it’s flat; life-expectancy depends on the materials used and if it needs replacing soon that will be an additional and substantial costs to add into your budget.

Are the plumbing and electrics in good condition?

Rewiring a home can be expensive, so at the very least check out the fuse board – if it’s old and outdated, the wiring could be too. Look at the condition of power sockets and light switches. Ask if the water pipes are insulated, and how old the boiler is. Running the taps will give you an idea of the water pressure; do so both upstairs and down.

What’s the roof space like?

If there’s a loft or attic, is it easy to access? Is it boarded so that you can move around safely? Check whether it’s insulated or whether there are any leaks. If you’re likely to want extra living space further down the line, assess whether it could be converted.

Check the drainage

Make sure you look at where external drains are located, and their levels. See how accessible they are and that they are functioning properly. If you have any concerns about drainage for a property you want to buy, make sure you get a structural survey.

If you view a property and can imagine where your own furniture would go or where you’d hang pictures, then chances are you’ll want to make an offer.

Just make sure you see the place as it really is, looking beyond any staging that might have been carried out. Arrange a further viewing for a different time of day so that you can see it in a new light – literally. This will also give you the opportunity to see and learn more about the area – neighbourhoods aren’t usually the same at 8pm as at 11am, for example – and hopefully confirm that this is the place for you.

Five things your estate agent probably shouldn’t say

You’ve made the decision – it’s time to sell your current home. You’ve probably done some research online and discussed your plans with friends, as well as asked around for some recommendations. Now you’re ready to choose an estate agent.

Whether you make an appointment to see them in their office or they come to you to talk about putting your property on the market, it’s more than likely the first time you’ll have met face-to-face.

You’re keen to get that ‘For Sale’ board up outside your house as soon as possible, but it’s important to be sure you appoint the right agent – one you can trust to do the best job for you. So what should you look out for? This isn’t a definitive list, but if you hear your potential estate agent say any of these, you might want to pause before signing on the dotted line…

1. ‘What do you want your property to fetch?’
   You’ll likely have got a rough idea about what your home is worth by looking online or scouring the property pages in the local paper. You’ll know if houses are selling quickly or slowly in your area. But your estate agent’s expertise is one reason why you’re using them in the first place – they’re the ones who are really on top of the current market, or at least they should be.

   If you’ve got a figure in mind, it’s worth keeping it to yourself at first to see if it matches the estate agent’s view. If you pitch the price too high then you may struggle to find a buyer; too low, and you could lose out by thousands of pounds.

   There’s nothing wrong with doing some background research, but a good agent will have their eye on the ball and should be able to set a price – you can always discuss it if you feel the need.
    

2. ‘Don’t bother about any DIY. Your buyers will probably rip everything out anyway.’
   This isn’t necessarily bad advice. Spending a fortune on a new kitchen or carrying out major improvements in the garden generally is a waste of time and money if you’re putting your property up for sale.

   But it’s definitely worth sorting out any minor jobs that need doing and making sure the outside of your property is tidy and attractive.

   For an objective view, invite a friend round and ask them to look at your home with a buyer’s eye to see what they notice – this can be a good way of learning about good points as well as bad.

   A good declutter can work wonders too, so if you have friends or relatives with some space, ask if they wouldn’t mind storing some of your things for a while.
    

3. ‘Make sure you get the coffee pot on before every viewing.’
   It’s a cliché we’ve all heard – that the smell of fresh coffee or baking bread will help you sell your house. The thing is, if we all know it then it stops being effective. These days, your potential buyer may be more likely to wonder whether you’re trying to hide something with those more pleasant odours. We’d advise you to let your property do the talking.
    
4. ‘It’s a competitive market – you should accept the first decent offer you get.’
   You might be in a hurry to sell, in which case this could be good advice, but generally it’s never a good idea to appear too keen. The buyer will know they’ve got the upper hand and it could cause you problems further down the line.

   Selling your home involves a huge financial transaction, so don’t be pressured into making a decision you’re unsure is the right one. Take your time and don’t rush. If an agent is trying to persuade you to agree to a quick sale, it’s not necessarily with your best interests at heart.
    

5. ‘Don’t put it on the market just yet. Wait until…’
   Why wait? You have no idea who is out there looking for a new house and yours might just be their dream home. If you delay, you could miss them and lose out on a good sale.

   There are certainly times of the year when more buyers are looking – property tends to sell faster in spring, for example – but generally, stock is low and demand is high so people will always be looking for a new home.

   We’d advise you to do it today – the best time to sell is when someone wants to buy, and you never know when they’re on the lookout.

Winter is here – 7 ways to reduce heating bills

As the temperature drops and winter sets in, we’re all starting to feel the chill – and increased energy bills at this time of year are a common topic for discussion.

It’s also something on the minds of many people seeking to buy or rent a home – “How much does it cost to heat?” is a frequently asked question.

If this could be an issue with your property, we’ve drawn up a checklist of simple ideas that could substantially reduce fuel bills and increase the energy-efficiency of your property.

If all these ideas are implemented, heating bills could be reduced by up to a fifth – a substantial saving in anyone’s eyes.

• Check the roof for loose or broken tiles and, if there are any, get them replaced as soon as possible. Not only is this allowing heat to escape, but you could also be at risk of incurring further damage from heavy rains or snow. It’s a good idea to clean out gutters, too, as leaves or other debris can block the free flow of rainwater into drains; if this freezes, it could become heavy enough to tear the pipes away from the walls.
• Insulate as much as possible. Walls, attics and lofts, water pipes and heater – it will all make a difference to the warmth of the property and the costs of heating it. Don’t forget the access door to the loft or attic either – even if the space itself is insulated, you need to make sure air isn’t escaping through the hatch so make sure it’s closed tight.
• Weather-strip your windows and doors. It’s estimated between seven and 12 per cent of a home’s heat-loss occurs in these areas, with older properties particularly prone to draughts. If weather-stripping has already been done, check it regularly as it will need replacing every few years. If you can see daylight under the doors then warm air will escape here too – in some cases, the door threshold might need adjusting to eliminate this properly.
• Look for gaps around window frames and wherever pipes or cables enter the property in both exterior and interior walls. These can be easily filled or sealed, and it will make a real difference to keeping heat inside the home.
• Get the heating system serviced. Breakdowns always seem to occur at the most inconvenient time, but a regular inspection will reduce the likelihood of problems and will also ensure the system is working as efficiently as possible.
• Clean the chimney. If you’ve got a fireplace, it’s essential to make sure the flue is clean and clear of any blockages. This won’t just make sure it’s operating at an optimum level – it will also reduce your risk of a chimney fire. If you have a fireplace that’s not used, consider blocking it off properly so that heat can’t use it as an escape route.
• Consider installing plastic film on large windows, such as sliding patio doors which can account for a surprising amount of heat loss. This transparent covering is easy to apply and barely noticeable once in place.

8 design tips to improve any room

If you’ve just moved into a new house, chances are you’ll be making a few changes. Decorating and buying furniture or other items is fun but, as not many of us are blessed with the talents of Kelly Hoppen or Philippe Starck, it can also be stressful trying to get the look you want.

Follow these simple tips for a sure-fire way to get the improve the look of any room in your home.

1. Choose your paint last.
   Sounds counter-intuitive, right? Most of us reach for the colour charts the moment we decide to decorate. The thing is, there are literally thousands of paint colours with a seemingly infinite variety of tones and shades, and even if you have one you love in one room, lighting can mean it looks entirely different in another.

   You want a shade that complements your furnishings, flooring and artwork, so you need to choose everything else before you make a final decision on paint colour. Don’t forget to make the most of ‘tester’ pots to try out a few options – you want to be sure you can live with the colour once it’s on your walls.
    

2. Give your furniture some space.
   You don’t have to fill every inch of a room with ‘stuff’. Try and keep furniture to a minimum, especially when it comes to larger items; this will draw more attention to any special pieces that deserve the spotlight. Make use of clever storage solutions to hide away those bits and pieces we all accumulate in everyday life. We’re not saying you should live in a show-home, but your space will feel more relaxed and comfortable if it’s not stuffed to the gills.
    
3. Create a focal point.
   It might be a painting in the dining room, a beautiful fireplace in the lounge, or a period dressing table in the bedroom. Choose something that catches attention, and add other items that will take a secondary role; too many key pieces make a room look too busy. You might want to use lighting or colour to add to the effect – the aim is to draw the eye and keep it there.
    
4. Hang artwork at the right height.
   If you visit an art gallery, you’ll notice that pieces are hung so that their centre is in line with the average human eyeline level – 57” to 60” from the floor. It’s very tempting to make the most of wall space and, especially if your room has a high ceiling, to go higher. But the point of artwork is for people to see and admire it, so don’t be tempted. Better to go for a larger painting than hang a small one far too high up, or add a vase on a table where there’s a gap to be filled lower down.
    
5. Be ruthless with knick-knacks
   Sometimes, we just can’t bear to let things go. That ceramic figurine might not look right, but we can’t get rid of it because it belonged to Grandma and she loved it. If it doesn’t go with your décor, move it – to another room, a hall table or somewhere else it looks more at home.
    
6. The power of a rug.
   Did you know that how you arrange furniture on or around a rug will change the feel of a room? Putting everything on top of a large rug is great for big rooms, as it creates a feeling of cosiness, while leaving everything off helps make a smaller room feel bigger. Use rugs in different ways to achieve the right ambience.
    
7. Play with lighting.
   One central light rarely shows off a room to its best advantage – nothing stands out. Professionals use layers of light to create interest and variety. Place a spotlight over a painting or use interior lighting for display cabinets. Add ambient lighting with table or standard lamps – these could also be a key feature of your room.
    
8. Be bold.
   Add your personality – it’s what brings a space to life. If you’ve got floor to ceiling shelving, what about a matching library-style ladder for access? Add one brightly-coloured seat to a room with muted colours. Incorporate the unexpected to add charisma. Don’t worry about ‘getting it wrong’ – have fun, and you’ll soon learn what works and what doesn’t.

While it’s good to have some guidelines when it comes to interior design, don’t be afraid to get creative. Above all, you want to create a space you love and where you feel comfortable. If you want a wall display of 1950s’ shop signs in your lounge, go for it – you’ll soon know if you’ve made the right decision or if it would look better somewhere else.

Buying a new home is exciting – and a little scary. It’s a big commitment after all. Maybe you already know exactly what you want and where it should be, but as with any major investment your head needs to play a part in the decision rather than be ruled entirely by your heart. Our checklist gives you some essential points to consider when viewing properties and deciding which one is right for you. Is ‘great renovation potential’ something you want? Some people love a house that needs work. Others buy one that’s a little run-down because it means they can get more for their money. But it’s important to be realistic about your abilities – not just your DIY skills, but how well you (and your family) will cope with a house in disarray, po

Buying a new home is exciting – and a little scary. It’s a big commitment after all. Maybe you already know exactly what you want and where it should be, but as with any major investment your head needs to play a part in the decision rather than be ruled entirely by your heart.

Our checklist gives you some essential points to consider when viewing properties and deciding which one is right for you.

Is ‘great renovation potential’ something you want?

Some people love a house that needs work. Others buy one that’s a little run-down because it means they can get more for their money. But it’s important to be realistic about your abilities – not just your DIY skills, but how well you (and your family) will cope with a house in disarray, possibly for long periods of time.

Consider whether the work that needs doing is worth the time and expense, and whether you’ll be ok with losing access to the kitchen, bathroom or wherever will be affected for a while. Finally, are you actually going to have the work done, or in five years will you still be promising yourself you’ll install a central heating system ‘soon’?

Does the location suit your lifestyle?

It’s easy to get caught up in an image. Perhaps you can see yourself in a picture-perfect country cottage in a remote village, but will it work?

If you can’t live without state-of-the-art technology or you need to work from home, the internet service needs to be fast and reliable. A miles-from-anywhere location might be less romantic in the depths of winter when you’re ferrying the children to their swimming lesson in the snow.

Conversely, a third-floor apartment in the city centre might not be the best choice if you’re the proud owner of several large dogs who need long and regular walks. Think carefully about whether a property will fit the way you live.

Check the practical stuff

When you imagine living in a house, there’s more to consider than how your sofa will look in front of the fireplace.

If you’ve got a wall-mounted, flat-screen television, is there a suitable place for it? Are there enough power sockets in the rooms? Check the water pressure in the sinks and showers, and make sure the garage is big enough for your car and anything you might need to store there. What about counter space in the kitchen for gadgets and food preparation? The little things – like having to get the toaster out a cupboard every time you want to use it – are those that will annoy you the most.

Think about running costs

Ask your estate agent or the current owners if you can see some gas and electricity bills. You need to have an idea how much it will cost to heat your new home in the winter and how energy-efficient it is. Check how the water bill is paid, too – water meters are becoming more common but many people still pay traditional rates. A couple will use a lot less water than a family with three young children, so work out which system is best for you or whether you can switch if you need to.

Size and storage

Will your furniture fit? A house is likely to be uncluttered when you view so it looks attractive to potential buyers, but when it’s yours you need to make sure there’s enough room for all your things.

Measure your largest pieces of furniture before you view, including height, and take a tape-measure with you when you go. You might decide you love the house but your beloved Welsh dresser won’t fit in the kitchen, but at least you’ll know and can decide whether the home is worth the sacrifice.

Are there enough cabinets in the kitchen, or will you need to invest in shelving for your books and DVDs? Don’t forget all those bits and pieces you’ve got stored in your attic or garage, either – is there somewhere for them to go?

Think long-term

If you’re a couple on your own, you might think a two-bedroom property is enough. But what if you decide to have a child, or children, and/or you need a home office? Is there room to grow?

Further down the line, if you’re already a family, can you adapt the house as you get older? Will it be suitable once you become a little less mobile?

If you’re hoping this will be your ‘forever home’, it’s important to consider how it will fit all the stages of your life.

How’s the neighbourhood?

Some people like to be surrounded by activity, while others prefer peace and quiet. It’s a good idea to visit the locality at different times of the day and evening, as well as at the weekend, to get a feel for how life might be in the area. This is especially important if you’re moving to a new place you don’t know well.

Other factors to consider might include public transport links, proximity of local schools and shops, and whether there are any community groups where you could make friends once you’ve moved in.