‘Try to think of what you will need and want from your home in five years when you are buying it’

pute with their neighbours. However, this could be historic and may not give a fair reflection of the relationship today.

My approach is always to ask around. If you can get to know the sellers and build up trust, not only will it aid the sale process, but they may be more candid. Admittedly they are unlikely to say outright that their neighbours are a nightmare, but you can often tell a lot from what is not said. You could always go round and introduce yourself at the outset, explaining that you are thinking of moving in next door. It will get you started on the right footing. While you are asking about neighbours, it may be worth finding out about the types of buyers in the area, as it could affect selling further down the line. For example, if you are a young couple buying your first property in a block of new-build flats, there are others likely to be doing the same. Does this mean that in three years you will all be trying to sell at the same time when you want to move up the ladder? Possibly.

But, that said, I am not down on newbuilds. More housing stock is always a good thing. And, as with most types of property, there are gems to be found. In a block of flats, look for the ones with unique features. It helps if you have something that makes your property stand out from 100 others, so it’s worth viewing more than one flat in a building. Does one flat have better light, or better proportions than another? Do any of them have a nicer view? (Although these can be seasonal, so bear that in mind.) My favourite choice in a block is the top floor corner flat where you have no one above you and light on multiple sides.

This is the sort of thing that I find can be a difference when going for viewings, the bonus element that can make a potential buyer fall in love with one property over another.

Among older housing stock I always look out for purpose-built flats. They are often Victorian-built and they look like other terraced houses. They are rare now but they are great flats if you can find them. They have their own front door and because they were built to be