Advice to buyers

Your ideal home

Have a clear idea about the sort of property that you want and where your priorities lie, and check that they can be met within the budget available.

Plan ahead

It can take time to decide where your next home should be, let alone what the property should offer, particularly if you are moving to a new area or from overseas, so give yourself plenty of time.

Do your research

Your search area may be dictated by your children's schools, by a job relocation or to be closer to your parents - whatever your circumstances, if you don't know the area, do some research on schools, local amenities, transport links, journey times, house prices etc.

Don't underestimate the school run

If you have children of school age, you will be making an awful lot of trips to the school, with after-school clubs, plays, sports matches etc. Make sure that you don't live too far away, unless you are prepared to get to know the inside of your car very well.

Your property search

By all means register your search requirements on property portals and with local agents that are selling the type of property you wish to buy. However, if you want to be considered a serious buyer - and that is very important when securing your dream house - it is always best to register directly with the estate agent: only this way can they get to understand your requirements and match you to the right kind of property, and keep you in mind when new properties come onto the market.

Be ready to move

Even in more difficult markets, some properties will attract a high number of buyers, due to their location, character or potential. Make sure that your bid comes from a position of strength by being ready to move. Cash buyers will always be more attractive to sellers, because they can proceed quickly and come chain-free, so do consider renting (or at the very least have your funding in place). Renting is also a good way to get to know an area and its amenities before committing to a purchase, and is much better than purchasing the wrong house and having to move again in a few years.