Buying a home is both an emotional and financial commitment. Whether you're stepping onto the property ladder for the first time or upgrading your current space, selecting the right home is essential for long-term satisfaction. Especially in a diverse market like Preston, the variety of neighbourhoods, house types, and lifestyle needs means making a decision can be overwhelming without a proper plan.
This comprehensive guide will help you evaluate all the essential factors so you can find your ideal home with clarity and confidence.
Understanding What “Ideal” Really Means
When we talk about an "ideal home," it’s easy to imagine something out of a glossy magazine. But the reality is more nuanced. Your ideal home is one that aligns with your budget, lifestyle, long-term plans, and personal preferences. This may mean:
- A starter flat close to the city centre
- A semi-detached home near good schools
- A countryside bungalow with room to grow vegetables
Before you start browsing listings, define what “ideal” means for you — not someone else's vision.
1. Start With a Clear List of Priorities
Creating a personal checklist is crucial. Divide your list into:
Must-Haves
- Minimum number of bedrooms
- Parking availability
- Garden or balcony
- Good broadband (essential for remote workers)
- Accessibility features (e.g., ground floor living)
Nice-to-Haves
- Ensuite bathroom
- Separate utility room
- Garage
- Character features (e.g., fireplaces, bay windows)
Having this list on hand will keep you focused when emotions start to influence decisions.
2. Be Clear About Your Financial Boundaries
It’s tempting to stretch your budget when you see a dream home. But staying within your means is key for long-term stability.
Assess:
- Deposit size (minimum 5–10%, more is better)
- Mortgage affordability (aim for no more than 30–35% of net monthly income)
- Choosing a suitable mortgage lender can tailor financing options to individual needs and typically requires a property valuation to establish its worth in relation to the loan amount being borrowed.
- Additional costs: stamp duty, surveys, solicitors, moving costs, furnishings
Tip:
Get a Mortgage in Principle early. It gives you a clear budget, improves your credibility with the local estate agents, and speeds up the process. Check out our helpful guide on how to get a mortgage in principle.
3. Location, Location, Location — Preston Edition
The same house can feel completely different depending on its surroundings. In Preston, there’s a strong mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Popular Areas:
- Penwortham: Family-friendly, good schools, vibrant community
- Fulwood: Suburban, excellent for commuting, close to Royal Preston Hospital
- Ashton-on-Ribble: Close to city centre, good transport links
- Longton: More rural, larger plots, quieter lifestyle
- Penwortham: Choosing the right estate agents can greatly benefit your property transactions.
Evaluate:
- Commute distance to work
- School catchment zones
- Local amenities (shops, GP surgeries, parks)
- Future developments (check council plans)
- Noise and traffic levels
Spend time walking around areas you're considering. Talk to locals if you can.
4. Consider Your Lifestyle — Now and In the Future
Think beyond what suits you now and consider how your needs might change in the next 5–10 years.
Ask Yourself:
- Planning to start or grow a family?
- Want to host guests regularly?
- Will you work from home?
- Are you expecting elderly relatives to move in eventually?
Look for homes with flexible spaces: extra bedrooms, outbuildings, large gardens, or scope to convert lofts or garages.
5. Choose the Right Property Type for Your Goals
Every property type comes with its own pros and cons. Choose based on what works for your lifestyle and budget:
- Flats: Low maintenance, ideal for first-time buyers or investors. May come with service charges and leasehold terms.
- Terraced Homes: Often more affordable, characterful. Limited parking or garden space in older terraces.
- Semi-Detached: A good middle ground. Generally quieter than terraces, more garden space.
- Detached: Offers privacy and space but comes at a higher price point.
- Bungalows: Ideal for downsizers or accessibility needs. May come with a premium due to rarity.
- New Builds vs Period Properties: New builds offer energy efficiency, but period homes offer charm and larger rooms.
6. Think in Terms of Flow and Layout
Don’t just look at square footage. How a home flows can make all the difference.
Key Questions:
- Is the kitchen close to the garden for outdoor dining?
- Can you see kids in the living room while cooking?
- Are bedrooms separated from noisy areas?
- Are bathrooms conveniently located?
Take notes on layouts during viewings — it’s easy to forget small details.
7. Evaluate Property Condition and Future Potential
Not every home will be perfect — but you need to understand what’s cosmetic and what’s structural.
Look For:
- Damp, cracks, or uneven floors
- Age of roof, boiler, and windows
- Storage space (lofts, built-in wardrobes)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating
Bonus Tip:
Don’t overlook homes that need minor updates — they can be priced lower, and you can add your own touch.
8. Understand Ongoing Costs and Responsibilities
Beyond the purchase, what will the home cost to run?
Check:
- Council tax band
- Heating type (gas, electric, oil)
- Insulation and energy bills
- Leasehold vs freehold implications (especially flats)
- Maintenance costs for larger gardens or period features
In shared ownership schemes, individuals can buy a percentage of a home, with the remaining shares typically owned by a housing association, which also charges rent on the share not owned.
If it stretches your time or budget too far, it may not be the right fit — no matter how pretty it is.
9. The Feel Factor — Trust Your Instincts (But Verify Them)
When a house feels right, it’s hard to ignore — but verify that gut feeling with facts:
- Visit at different times of day
- Check mobile signal and broadband speed
- Talk to neighbours
- Look at flood risk maps and local crime stats
A home that feels good and ticks the boxes is the true ideal.
10. Compare and Rank Your Top Choices
Once you’ve viewed several homes, it’s time to compare logically.
Create a Comparison Table:
For the header row, have the following running from left to right
- Criteria
- Home A
- Home B
- Home C
Then down the left column, have the following:
- Price
- Commute time
- Condition
- School catchment
- Garden space
- EPC rating
- Parking
- Feel factor (1–10)
Seeing it laid out visually often clarifies what matters most.
11. Working with an Estate Agent
Working with a reputable estate agent is crucial when searching for your ideal home. They offer essential insights into the local market, assist in identifying properties that align with your needs, and guide you throughout the house buying process.
Find a reputable estate agent in Preston
When selecting an agent, it’s essential to do your homework. Research local estate agents in Preston and read reviews from previous clients.
Discuss your needs and priorities with the agent
Once you’ve chosen an agent, have an in-depth discussion about your needs and priorities. Provide detailed information about your ideal home, including the location, property type, budget, and essential features. This will help the agent understand your requirements and find properties that align with your vision of an ideal home.
Get advice on the local market
A reputable estate agent can offer invaluable advice on the local market. They can inform you about current property prices, market trends, and the best areas to live in Preston. Additionally, they can provide insights into local amenities such as schools, transport links, and community facilities. This information is crucial for making an informed decision and finding a property that meets all your needs.
12. Preparing for House Viewings
Before attending house viewings, it’s essential to prepare a checklist of things to look for. This will help you stay focused and ensure you don’t overlook important details.
Create a house viewing checklist
Your house viewing checklist should include the following:
- Property Condition: Look for signs of wear and tear, damp, or structural issues. Check for loose tiles, cracks, and the overall structural integrity of the property.
- Neighbourhood: Research the local area, including nearby amenities, transport links, and community facilities. Spend time walking around to get a feel for the community vibe.
- Local Amenities: Check the proximity of local shops, schools, and other essential services. Ensure the area meets your personal circumstances and current needs.
- Property Prices: Research recent sale prices of similar properties in the area to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Estate Agents: Ask the agent about the property’s history, including any previous repairs or renovations. Verify the property’s identity (Ray ID) and ensure it matches the details provided.
- Council Tax: Check the tax band and estimated annual costs.
- Parking Space: Check the availability of parking spaces and their proximity to the property.
- Outdoor Space: Inspect the condition and size of any spaces outside, such as gardens or balconies.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Check the mobile phone signal strength in the area.
- Natural Light: Check the amount of light in each room.
- Energy Efficient: Check the property’s energy efficiency rating and any features that contribute to this.
- Local Schools: Research the nearby schools and their reputation.
- Verify You Are Human: Be aware of any potential issues with the property and ask questions to clarify any concerns.
- Light Switches Work: Test the light switches and ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Communal Areas: Inspect the condition and cleanliness of any communal areas.
- Transport Links: Check the proximity of transport links, such as bus or train stations.
- Community Vibe: Research the local community and its reputation.
- Future Plans: Consider how the property will meet your future needs and plans.
- Unusual Smells: Check for any unusual smells or signs of damp. Be wary of air fresheners that might be masking odours.
- Extractor Fan Work: Test the extractor fans and ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Fire Alarms: Check the presence and functionality of alarms.
- Structural Integrity: Check for any signs of structural issues or damage.
- Additional Costs: Ask about any additional costs associated with the property, such as service charges or ground rent.
- Own Home: Consider how the property will meet your needs and provide a sense of ownership.
- Local Area: Research the local area and its reputation.
- Loose Tiles: Check for any loose tiles or signs of wear and tear.
- Property Type: Check the property type and its suitability for your needs.
- Potential Buyers: Research the local market and potential suitors.
- Large Trees: Check for any large trees or potential issues with roots.
- Viewing Properties: Attend multiple viewings to get a feel for the property and its surroundings.
- Sinking Fund: Ask about any sinking fund or service charges associated with the property.
- Informed Decisions: Use the information gathered to make informed decisions about the property.
- Spend Time: Spend time in the property and its surroundings to get a feel for the area.
- Chimneys Straight: Check the condition and straightness of any chimneys.
- More Tips: Research additional tips and advice for viewing properties.
- Human by Completing: Verify your identity and ensure you are human.
- Listed Building: Check if the property is a listed building and what implications this may have.
- Hot Water: Check the availability and temperature of hot water.
- Water Pressure: Check the water pressure and flow rate.
- Expensive Repairs: Ask about any expensive repairs or maintenance required.
- Security of Your Connection: Ensure the security of your connection and verify the property’s identity.
- Air Freshener: Check for any air fresheners or signs of covering up unusual smells.
- Second Pair: Bring a second pair of eyes to the viewing to provide an objective perspective.
- First Time Buyer: Consider seeking advice from a professional if you are a first-time buyer.
- Structural Issues: Check for any signs of structural issues or damage.
- Property: Research the property’s history and any previous repairs or renovations.
- Properties: Compare the property to others in the area and consider its value.
- Verification: Verify the property’s identity and ensure it matches the details provided by the agent.
- Shaver Socket: Check the presence and functionality of shaver sockets.
- Potential Issues: Ask about any potential issues with the property and seek clarification.
- Other Potential Buyers: Research the local market and potential suitors.
- Completing the Action: Verify your identity and ensure you are human.
- Connection: Ensure the security of your connection and verify the property’s identity.
- Most Important Things: Prioritize the most important things to look for during the viewing.
- House: Research the property’s history and any previous repairs or renovations.
- Completing: Verify your identity and ensure you are human.
- Complete: Ensure you have a comprehensive checklist to avoid missing important details.
- Human: Verify your identity and ensure you are human.
- Security: Ensure the security of your connection and verify the property’s identity.
- Sale: Research the local market.
- Review the Security: Ensure the security of your connection and verify the property’s identity.
- Connection Before Proceeding: Verify your identity and ensure you are human.
- Ideal Home: Consider how the property meets your needs and provides a sense of ownership.
- Proceeding: Verify your identity and ensure you are human.
- Review: Research the property’s history and any previous repairs or renovations.
- Respond: Ask questions and seek clarification on any concerns.
- Aware: Be aware of any potential issues with the property and ask questions to clarify any concerns.
- Current Needs: Consider how the property meets your current needs and plans.
- Close Easily: Check if the property can be easily closed and secured.
- Afford: Research the local market and consider whether the property is affordable.
- New Home: Consider how the house will meet your needs and provide a sense of ownership.
- Room: Check the size and condition of each room.
- Neighbours: Research the local community and its reputation.
- Future: Consider how the house will meet your future needs and plans.
- Mortgage: Research the local area and consider the mortgage lender options available.
- How Many Years: Research the property’s history and any previous repairs or renovations.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that you thoroughly evaluate each property and make an informed decision about your new home.
Summary: The Ideal Home Is a Match, Not a Dream
There’s no such thing as a perfect property. But there is such a thing as the right match. By defining your needs, staying realistic about your budget, and keeping your long-term lifestyle in mind, you can find a home that supports your life and grows with you.
Your Next Steps...
If you’re looking for your perfect home in Preston — whether it’s listed or not — Key & Frame offers a free off-market property search service. We specialise in matching buyers with homes that aren’t yet on Rightmove or Zoopla. Let us help you find your match, not just a listing.
