Page 23 - April 2023

EXPERT ADVICE

How to choose the right location for

your new home Family life
If you have a family or are
planning to in the future,
Caitlin Keegan, Associate at Gillespie Macandrew, breaks down consider how family friendly the
location is. School catchment
what’s involved in choosing where to buy a property.
and performance data is readily
available but consider how
you might travel in and out of
hen looking for a new home it So where do you start when searching for the area and to any schools or
really is all about location, location, your next home? nurseries, whether there are
Wlocation! good parks and green spaces
and also the availability of other
Lifestyle
Finding your new home can seem like a Your lifestyle is a key consideration when children’s activities.
daunting task and there is a lot to consider selecting the location of your new home.
when taking this step, particularly if you are Consider what is important to you in terms of
a first-time buyer or if you have not moved your daily life and hobbies. Would you prefer
home in a long time. Choosing to narrow the bustle of a central location so that you can
down your search area can help you to focus enjoy an impromptu dinner with friends or is
on what is important to you and help you to living by the sea more your style? Are green Transport options areas, while Leith offers a fantastic, lively
shape your wish list. spaces top of your list so you can enjoy walks, Consider which transport links are available waterfront with some of Edinburgh’s top
running or cycling? in your chosen area and what alternatives restaurants.
are available should this be necessary. If you
are moving out of Edinburgh, think about Time is of the essence
your commute and any obligations around It is a good idea to arrange a discussion with a
collecting children that might need to be mortgage broker to understand what you can
factored in. afford to pay for a property before beginning
your search. This can also inform your search
Local amenities area and your local agent can advise on the
Key local amenities to look out for in your latest sale prices in each area. We would also
search will be linked to your lifestyle, hobbies encourage you to instruct a solicitor to deal
and of course your family and job but we with the compliance requirements, allowing
would recommend including supermarkets, your solicitor to move quickly when you find
a doctor and dental surgery and some green the right property.
space on your list as a starting point.
There is a lot to consider when looking for
Edinburgh has an excellent mix of history, your next home but taking some time to jot
architecture, shopping and green spaces and down a few ideas on what you are looking for
importantly has a number of areas offering (must haves) and what you might be willing to
village style living, while remaining close to compromise on (nice to haves) can really help
the city centre. Stockbridge and Morningside to focus the search and find a home that is
have great amenities and are well-established right for you.

If you have any questions about the process of buying a home in Scotland, get in touch with Gillespie Macandrew on
0131 447 4747, gillespiemacandrew.co.uk or pop into one of our local offices for help finding your next move.
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