The lifestyle trend in moving house has changed

The trends of moving home have changed in recent years. Prior to 2007, on average, buyers would buy and sell five properties during their lifetime. This has now reduced down to an average of three properties. Sheron Harley, from the Property Shop, discusses.

The trends of moving home have changed in recent years. Prior to 2007, on average, buyers would buy and sell five properties during their lifetime. This has now reduced down to an average of three properties. Most buyers will stay in their home for at least 20 years, having initially started off in a 'starter home' before moving on to the ideal choice of property for most of their life, before down-sizing in retirement.

Therefore, getting it right for your move to your 'home for life' is essential. It is quite usual for potential buyers to sit down and write a tick list of their requirements (rural as opposed to city, house as opposed to bungalow, access to amenities, etc). When it comes to actually finding that perfect home it isn't always so easy. Compromises inevitably have to be made as it is highly unlikely you will ever achieve your full tick list.

The first and probably the most important decision is where you would like to live (often dictated by places of work or local schools and transport available). Once you have decided on an area, then comes the decision of budget.

My son is hoping to buy his first property next year and is saving hard for his deposit, so I am having a first hand view of all the aspects that are important to him. He definitely wants a rural location, no close neighbours, three bedrooms and the most important thing, a room for a gym. I'm not sure his girlfriend has the same tick list, but it will be interesting to see what they do actually buy next year.

If you are re-locating it is always a good idea to have a drive around and highlight the areas that appeal, checking out schools and amenities. We always advise potential viewers to do a drive-by on properties they have seen advertised, before making a viewing appointment. That way it saves wasted time for the buyer and vendor.

You will know within five minutes of visiting a property whether you can see yourself and your family living there. If it doesn't tick all your boxes, have a think about re-arranging the layout, could you knock a wall down between a small bathroom and a separate toilet, to make a great sized family bathroom? Is there enough room around the property to perhaps put a conservatory or a two storey extension, to provide an additional bedroom?

If you are looking in the Acle and the Broads area for a property to buy, check out our website and please give us a ring if we can answer any questions you may have on the properties we are marketing. We would love to hear from you.

You can contact Sheron Harley at the Property Shop, sponsors of this column, on 01493 752100. www.property-shop.co.uk