Look for a community/area that suits your lifestyle

Consider rural/town/quiet/busy locations. Think radically

Consider schools/public transport/shop access/parking .

Consider clubs/sporting venues/libraries/museums/cinemas/theatres/walks

Talk to people who live in target neighbourhoods---allow for bias!

Set a budget Useful Calculator

Be totally realistic/slightly pessimistic about your present commitments

Consider early redemption penalty on existing mortgage

Consider seeing a financial adviser who has been well recommended

Consider stamp duty 1% 60k+, 3% 250k+, 4% 500k+   (!!)

Plan for extras/move cost/renovations/extensions/conservatories

Double any figures that you have drawn up!

Consider council tax increase/decrease

Talk to mortgage providers/ asses your income/think about interest rate rises

Consider getting a mortgage certificate to make you a more powerful buyer

Consider whether the benefits of improving your existing home outweigh a move

Consider time scales. Average three months to move from agreed sale

Consider costs of commuting/money saved if you move nearer work/schools

Consider potential value gain in improving house if you like DIY/moving

Consider location of key friends/contacts and resulting disturbance

Discover major development plans/new roads/shopping centres in target area