Step 2 of 6

Find the perfect home

So you’ve got an idea of what you can afford, now it’s time for the fun part - deciding where to buy a house. Here’s what to consider while home hunting.

Choose an area

You can make a home look prettier but you can’t pick it up and move it. It’s all about location, location, location - and finding an area you know you’ll love.

Narrow down your search

Looking for somewhere with a garden, garage or office? We’ve got all the tools you need to help you do just that.

Viewing properties

Whether you’re after a do-er upper or a good-to-go home, we’ve got the questions to ask the agents plus tips on how to spot property with potential.

New-build homes

One top reason to bag a new-build home is that most come with a 10-year warranty. Plus they have the latest eco-friendly, energy-efficient appliances.

Buy-to-let

Thinking about becoming a landlord? Buy-to-let properties have different stamp duty and mortgage rates. Here's what you need to know.

  • It’s easy to fall for the charm of a French cottage garden or a balcony with a Mediterranean view. But if you’re investing in overseas property, good decisions come from spreadsheets, not sunsets.

  • Owning an overseas holiday home isn’t just about escaping to the sun. If you’re not using it year-round, you could rent out your property and earn an income.

  • Ready to add 'international property mogul' to your LinkedIn profile? Investing in overseas property can be seriously rewarding, but it's not quite as simple as clicking 'buy now'. Here's the lowdown on making it happen.

  • If you're buying another home which you won't be living in, you may well be liable to pay the 5% stamp duty on second homes. We break down the complex rules in our dedicated Q&A.

Moving abroad

Fallen for the beaches, the bakeries or the pace of life? If you're ready to take the plunge and move to a new country, here's everything you need to know.

  • Want to get away more, minus the hotel check-ins? Buying a holiday home abroad means ditching the booking faff and embracing true escape. Let’s find your perfect retreat overseas.

  • Dreaming of your own sunny escape without selling a kidney? An affordable holiday home abroad is the ultimate win - if you know where to look and what to avoid. Let's find your budget-friendly slice of paradise.

Retirement

Did you know there are such things as interest-only retirement properties? There's more to retirement than having more time to babysit your grandkids.