Our guide to what to look for when choosing a home
Is the development available to you?
Some schemes are specifically reserved for key workers, people living in the area, or those with a specific income level, so make sure you ask the housing association involved if the propery you're interested in is open to you. If you're registered with a HomeBuy Agent, they'll make sure you're matched to the right properties.
Is it in the right location?
It's no good falling in love with a property, only to find that it'll take you too long to get to work, or is outside the catchment area for the school you want your kids to go to. So make sure you've checked out the location. If necessary, do a dry run of your home to work trip. Find out about supermarkets, bars, nightclubs etc in the area, and have a think about your lifestyle and what you might need. For example, if you're busy, busy, busy and tend to live on takeaways during the week, moving outside the area that your favourite curry house will deliver to could be a disaster! You should also have a think about what will make you feel at home. If you're moving to the town after growing up in a more rural area, it could be something as simple as being able to see a few trees from your window, or having access to a communal garden. Either way, you need to know before you go.
What local services are there?
Ask about the local schools, shops, doctors and transport links.
What's included?
Don't forget to ask what comes as part of the package. It may include carpets and kitchen appliances, but be careful, because it may not include everything you seen in the show house. Ask, and make a note of the answers.
What about parking?
If you drive, you need to be very clear about parking facilites. Some developments, particularly city centre ones, have little or no parking, so you'd have to secure residents parking elsewhere, or rent a garage, which could be very expensive. Sometimes a development that has parking allocates on a first-come, first-served basis. So ask about whether you'll get a specific space, and whether there's visitors' parking too. This is also a good time to find out about whether there's a secure place to leave a bike, or whether the development is near to, or even part of, a car club scheme.
Outside space
Communal gardens, roof terraces, balconies... they're all valuable. If there are communal gardens of any kind, make sure you find out what you can and can't do in them. It's no good planning a housewarming barbecue only to find you have to hold it on your balcony!
What's the security like?
This is especially important in apartments. Is there a security system? Is it video or audio entry? Is the lift monitored? What about somewhere secure for post? It depends on the area, of course, but these are all important things to consider.
What about pets?
Don't fall in love with a property only to find out you can't take Rover or Tiddles with you. Find out now, before you make a decision.