Thinking of relocating? It’s a big decision to make – and with plenty of factors coming into play. According to statistics, approximately 309,000 households in the UK wanted to move to another home as of January 2023. Here are a few things you should consider before making the big move.
Location
Choosing the right location is key and perhaps one of the most important things to consider. Ask yourself whether the potential location offers the amenities you’re actively looking for. If you have children, assess whether there are schools or nurseries nearby. Another thing to look out for is good transport links – otherwise, you risk feeling cut off due to poor roads or public transport. You might prefer good access to rural areas, in which case places like Gloucester could be ideal, or you might look for a more lively urban area. It’s always worth getting to know the area. Perhaps you can take a trip there on the weekend?
Employment opportunities
While more and more of us are working from home, you may find yourself needing to pop into the workplace either on a hybrid or on full time basis, depending on your role. Check whether this is feasible from your potential new hometown and assess whether there are many employment opportunities nearby if not. Commuting can be time-consuming and costly so see what your potential commute could look like in light of your move.
Cost of living
The cost of living crisis has resulted in many having to pull the brakes completely when it comes to relocating. It certainly warrants a little more thought. More consideration needs to be given to the affordability of a chosen place, as well as rent prices on top of monthly utilities and more. For many, money will ultimately be the deciding factor and as a recult, certain locations and property types will fit the bill while others won’t.
Friends and family
For some, being near friends and family is hugely important. It may be helpful for childcare purposes, or simply enhance your social life. You might also want to live near older relatives or grandparents to make the most of spending time with them or to support them as they become less able to do things. Either way, many people factor this in when relocating and it can sometimes be a large influence when deciding on where to live.
Lifestyle & Safety
Getting a feel for your area is important and this includes how you feel when walking around. Assess whether you feel safe or uneasy walking around before committing. Take a look at some crime statistics too, as some areas have significnaly higher crime rates. You could also ask your estate agent to talk you through the safety features in the property and look into what might need adding in the future.
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