MOVING must-knows

Ready to find your dream home? Barclays can guide you through the entire moving process, from choosing a neighbourhood to planning your budget

Whether you’re a first-time buyer about to take a step onto the property ladder or a homeowner who’s ready to upsize, moving can be an incredibly exciting time of your life. But, as with any major change, it can also be overwhelming – especially if you’re unsure where to start.

Fortunately, the team at Barclays is on hand to help. It has a range of tools, resources and friendly experts to make the process as smooth as possible, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for without any of the hassle.

Question time

It may sound obvious, but when you’re thinking about moving, it’s useful to consider what’s prompting your decision. From here, Barclays can help you focus on properties that will suit you best. For example, if the reason you want to move is because you need more space to start a family, you might want to prioritise homes in areas that have good schools.

To help with your search, Barclays offers a range of useful resources and articles on its website that could give you a clearer picture of what you can afford and what it is you’re looking for in a property.

Factor in the finances

Cost will always play a crucial role in your decision-making process, so it pays to be prepared. From applying for a mortgage to accounting for the hidden extras, the experts at Barclays can help to ensure that you’re in full control.

The online Barclays Mortgage Calculator will give you an estimate of how much you can borrow, based on your income and outgoings. It’s free for anyone to use and doesn’t require a credit check, plus your personal details won’t be saved, which is perfect if you’re not looking to make any commitments just yet.

And, whether you’re an existing Barclays customer or not, you can also book a free and impartial 45-minute call or video chat with a Barclays Money Mentor. They’ll be happy to build a plan and timeline with you, so you’re in a good position to buy your new home.

Move or improve?

After careful research, you may discover that renovating your current home is more cost-effective than moving. On the Barclays website, you’ll find plenty of information to help you navigate your choice, including statistics about the average cost of renovating, as well as tips on how to ease any anxieties you may have.