Searching for and narrowing down your ideal house can be a tedious process. The element of huge investment aside, the space is meant to be your safe haven and calm at the end of the day. Investing in a property is a huge long-term commitment, and there are many aspects to consider from all angles so that you get the best property and the best value for money.

When buying a property, the following affects the decision of a potential buyer –

– Personal budget, relevant especially for first-time buyers who are leaving rentals to own property
– Practicality, in terms of proximity to transport links like metro stations and other public transport, schools etc
– Size of the property
– Outdoor spaces, garage/parking facilities
– Council tax bands
– Interior décor may not be as important as the above because it can be changed or altered as per taste

But the most important and underlying factor is location.

How and why is location a decisive factor when buying a property?

As per the survey, 85% of participants responded that the location of a property is the most important and crucial factor in decision-making. It is also the one element repeatedly emphasised by real estate agents.

Location may be based on the kind of property you are looking for. Apartment seekers may want options that are closer to the city centre. And those looking for family homes would prefer the outskirts so that there’s more space at the same price when compared to city-limit options.

Location probably has the most significant weightage among the elements to consider because it is one aspect that cannot be changed about a property. It also affects all the other aspects like job opportunities, commute options, property value and, most important of all, your quality of life.

What makes a great location?

If you are interested in a certain property, chances are there may be others who find it interesting too. Although it depends on individual preferences and personal requirements, there are many location-based factors that impact lifestyle and property value.

Convenient and easy access to local markets and supermarkets, pharmacies, basic health facilities, retail shops etc. Most buyers consider if all or most of these are within walking distance or not.

Any location becomes more viable for buyers if there is convenient access to public transport options. Easy commute to office and work locations is the most important of it all.

With increased emphasis on health and mental well-being, most homeowners now place greater emphasis on proximity and access to green spaces.

When you consider a location, you should look at the benefits you would get as a resident. Also, look at the up-and-coming areas which have prominent urban regeneration projects. While these improve the quality of life of current residents, they also prompt property price escalation in future.

Although the housing market may be evolving constantly, the process of buying and owning a property does not undergo as many changes. It is a significant financial investment, and it is best to understand the process in detail before taking the leap.

It can take a minimum of three months to complete the whole process of owning a property. This includes the time from viewing houses and working with real estate agents and solicitors to mortgage valuations and conveyance.

Steps for buying property in the UK

The process may seem tedious and long; however, you can smooth it out a bit if you are aware of the steps involved and prepared for them.

1. Understand the costs

These are the different costs involved when you buy a property –

– Deposit
– Mortgage payments
– Stamp duty payment
– Solicitor fees
– Home Insurance

The government has a mortgage scheme that supports prospective buyers with a 5% deposit. So if you have this in hand, you could consult a mortgage advisor and AIP (Mortgage Agreement in Principle). An AIP gives you credibility as a buyer and shows that you are serious about your purchase. It also helps to speed up and give a smoother process down the line.

2. Conduct house search

There are multiple avenues for checking your options –

– Online websites where you can refine your search options based on house prices, school areas, train stations etc.
– Real estate agents like Glentree Estates are sometimes more aware of listings even before they appear online. Registering with one or two agents may be helpful in getting ahead of the curve. Also, they may be able to guide you better with their insights and important factors about a neighbourhood.
– House actions may have lower prices. Despite its appeal, the flip side is that there may be risks which you may not be able to understand without a proper survey of the house.

3. House viewings



Here are a few pointers and questions to consider while viewing houses –

– How much have similar properties in the neighbourhood been sold for?
– Are the electrical and water lines working well?
– How is the light and air circulation at different times of the day?
– Why is it being sold now?
– What is the history – how many owners, any accidents or incidents previously?

4. Make an offer

   Through your estate agent, inform the owner of your offer. You could offer lower than the asking price, but it means you should be prepared for a good haggle.

5. Mortgage valuation

   Mortgage applications may go on for six weeks or more. You need bank statements dating six months, employment proof and ID proof. The property will go through a mortgage valuation too.

6. Property survey



Hire a licensed building surveyor to conduct a property survey. It helps to identify issues that can impact the value of the property or any repair work related to rot or electrical wiring.

7. Involve a conveyance

   The conveyancer will handle the legal aspect of the property purchase and ensure that all the legal documents are in order. This involves handling land registry, planning permissions, stamp duty payment and checking contracts. The first step, however, is a memorandum of sale drawn up by the real estate agent, to be signed by the conveyancers of buyer and seller.

   Real estate agents such as Glentree can handle the legal aspects of property purchases so that you can concentrate on buying the house of your dreams.

8. Arrange home insurance

You could either take the help of online sites that offer advice on the best home insurance options or turn to an insurance broker or provider to get the best deal. It is best to have it in place from purchase completion. In fact, most mortgage lenders may ask about insurance before releasing funds.

9. Signing the contract

   By this stage, the legal representatives of the buyer and seller would have ensured that both parties were in agreement about the contract to be signed. A move-in date would be in place too, and you would have to give the deposit to your conveyancer.

   Once the contract has been signed and the deposit has been made, the house is legally yours. The deed will be transferred in your name, and you will receive the house keys.

   You can now plan and move in!

   You can contact us at Glentree Estates if you have any questions regarding the steps involved in purchasing property in the United Kingdom.

Located in Northwest London, Hampstead Garden suburb is the vision of Dame Henrietta Barnett to give good yet affordable, quality housing to the working class. It is situated next to the much-desired areas like Golders Green and East Finchley and is also well connected to many other parts of London via two underground metro stations.

It is a thriving locality filled with stunning houses, green spaces and parks, and cosy cafes, and it offers a welcome break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Hampstead Garden suburb is now one of the most sought-after properties in London, with a unique look and feel, and houses some of the most costly properties in the city.

5 must-know facts about Hampstead Garden Suburb

• Designated conservation area

In 1967, Hampstead Garden Suburb was declared a conservation area and is internationally recognised as one. It is considered to be one of the best examples of early 20th-century domestic architecture and town planning. It is protected by the statutory powers of the London Borough of Barnet and the Hampstead Garden Trust, with the legal power to maintain and upkeep its present identity and amenities.

• Houses expensive properties



Although the initial idea and conception of the locality were for people of the working class, it now houses some of the most expensive properties in the city. The housing density is low and caters to a variety of people and income groups.

• Meticulous detailing and landscaping



In order to give a feeling of equality to the occupants, Hampstead Garden Suburb has strict rules for its roads and individual housing compounds. The roads are wide and lined with trees. Houses are separated by hedges and not by walls. There are many period properties that have been beautifully designed.

• Sought after neighbourhood

In the previous year (September 2021 to August 2022), 224 houses and 177 apartments were sold in Hampstead Garden Suburb. The selling prices of units were 10.6% higher than the previous year. The average selling price of houses was £2,441,476, while the average selling price of apartments was £1,081,192.

• Premium quality of life



The Hampstead Garden suburb has amenities that focus on giving its occupants a premium lifestyle away from the noise of the city. The woods and public gardens are accessible for free to everyone. The many parks and gardens come with multiple facilities to ensure merriment for children as well as adults. A nursery attached to a café in an open space is not uncommon in the locality. The beautiful and appealing landscape offers beautiful walks for locals and visitors, and the two golf clubs are a highlight.