Moving to a new area requires you to put in the research

Kirsty Mcluckie advises undercover detective work

Drawing up a wish list for a new home is the first step towards finding the ideal property.

But while many of us will include aspects such as number of bedrooms, distance from work or the size of garden, we can sometimes forget that the mantra of location, location, location doesn’t just apply to neighbouring house values or general desirability.

There is an indefinable quality of feeling at home in a new neighbourhood which any number of well-appointed patios or ensuite bathrooms can’t begin to address.

Moving to a new area will always have its advantages, but there may be disadvantages which you had never considered.

According to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) it can take between six and eight months to feel at home in a new area.

And as technology and changing lifestyles mean that an increasing number of us are spending more of our days at home rather than at work, your surrounding area becomes ever more important.

A release from NAEA this week stated: “Hectic and demanding daily lifestyles are forcing many people to look at their home/work life balance, opting to move to a larger home, be closer to work or family, or choose a quieter location.

“But, whatever the reasons for moving to a new area, don’t let the excitement of a new home detract from the importance of exploring the location.”

The association offers tips on what to bear in mind when thinking about buying a property in a new area and suggests visiting the area and driving round the surrounding towns and villages to get a feel for the bigger picture. Try out your route to work or school to get an idea of how long the journey is.

Depending on their age, children may not be completely receptive to moving away from friends, so the advice from NAEA is to take them on a tour, pointing out schools, local parks and opportunities for social activities. It also suggests turning to editions of the local newspaper or reading about the area online.

Su Snaith, head of estate agency at the Nottingham Building Society, says: “For many people, moving home can be an exciting yet, at the same time, rather daunting experience – particularly if it is to a brand new area.

“However, if you do your homework properly you can ensure your new home suits the whole family.”

The release also advises would-be movers to pop into the pub and get chatting with the landlord who will usually know all about what’s happening in their area.

It is a good idea, but in my own experience, it might not give you a full and accurate picture.

Coming from a West Coast village with a falling school roll, my neighbours and I are adept at marketing the place to anyone likely to move here.

We are more likely to stress the excellent community spirit and peace and quiet while playing down the facts that it can be impossible to get larger parcels or supermarket shopping delivered, the midges in the summer can be brutal and a harsh winter will see school children having unscheduled days off.

For an accurate picture, would-be residents are probably better to go undercover, take up a corner seat at the bar, and listen in to what the locals complain about.