Tips for moving long distance

Principia_2

My house has just been put on the market and I am looking to move 150-200 miles, I am hoping to start viewing houses soon.

Does anyone have any dos and don't for viewing then moving long distance?

Funny stories welcome

Thanks

movilogo

Before setting off for viewing houses 150+ miles away, always double check with EAs that they are still aware of your viewings.

I have many cases where ended up calling EA from front of properties and they are surprised why no entry in their diaries! Fortunately I was looking at same town

Principia_2

movilogo wrote: »

Before setting off for viewing houses 150+ miles away, always double check with EAs that they are still aware of your viewings.

I have many cases where ended up calling EA from front of properties and they are surprised why no entry in their diaries! Fortunately I was looking at same town

That is an excellent tip - thanks movilogo. I hadn't even considered this and I am looking to hopefully stack up viewings and see 3 or 4 in a day (looking countywide for me )

Davesnave

When you have decided on an area, try to have a holiday there in the colder months when self-catering is often really cheap.

If you like it in the winter, then that will bode well. Also, you will get a little more feel for the area than fleeting visits allow, although it still won't be like living there.

Depending on circumstances, it might even be worthwhile renting in your chosen area after you sell. The best locations for your personal tastes and interests may not be apparent straight away. For example, some people think they want a seaside location....until they've lived in the face of coastal wind and rain for a while!

Principia_2

Thanks Dave

I don't have much choice in where I move anyway but I was thinking of spending a few days B&Bing it and trying to see as many houses as possible in that time. Perhaps I should spend some time mooching round the local area too.

pinkteapot

Davesnave wrote: »

Depending on circumstances, it might even be worthwhile renting in your chosen area after you sell. The best locations for your personal tastes and interests may not be apparent straight away. For example, some people think they want a seaside location....until they've lived in the face of coastal wind and rain for a while!

Agree with this. Unless you know the area, it's very hard to decide where in a town/village you want to live.

My mum retired to the seaside. She rented a house *right* on the front (think house, road in front, beach). She's now bought a house a road back in her estate. She still has distant sea views but the noise of the sea kept her awake, and the endless car doors of beach visitors parking in the road outside got pretty annoying.

Even in a more normal move to your average town, you'll want to get to know it and decide which roads would be nice to live in. If you buy, you're pretty well committed! Little things - knowing which roads get all the congestion in rush hour (and so are a pain to drive down, or, worse, you'll have a traffic jam outside your window).

It would also make the move itself more relaxing, if you're not in a chain. You could start a rental soon after exchanging contracts and do the move itself on a day prior to completion day if you wanted.

Davesnave

Principia wrote: »

Thanks Dave

I don't have much choice in where I move anyway but I was thinking of spending a few days B&Bing it and trying to see as many houses as possible in that time. Perhaps I should spend some time mooching round the local area too.

We had a choice. Spent 3 years narrowing down where we wanted to be and had several winter holidays there, besides regular round trip sorties of 250 miles or so, viewing.

Then we bought a property 150+ miles away from there! :rotfl:

ConfusedofYorkshire

Go into friendly local cafes and ask about the town- you'll soon. Get the gossip on which are the nice areas.

Also check out police.UK for crime stats in an area as this will also tell you what to avoid.

Agree with reconfiming with the agent- I've been in situations where I've travelled 2 hours just to find the house has already gone! That was renting though.

AnnieO1234

Can you share on the forum where it is you are looking to move to? A town or city would be good as people familiar with the location will be able to help you out.

Xxx

Principia_2

It's moving from Bristol to the Lincolnshire area, Annie.

What made you decide on the house 150 miles away Dave?

Thanks for the extra tips confused and pinkteapot, I don't have any friends or family in that area so am relying on internet information about the areas.

Better_Days

Renting is a good idea to get to know an area. Don't forget though that it does carry risks - if house prices are rising in your chosen area. While we were renting last year prices rose by about 10% (and are still going up, luckily our purchase completed in December). Of course if house prices drop you benefit. Renting can be expensive as well, especially if you have a lot of equity and interest rates remain low.

Going to stay in the area in the winter is well worth considering. If you like it on a cold dreary winter day then as Davesnave says it bodes well for you liking living there.

I would advise you looking at as many properties as you can to get a feel for the area. It will be exhausting, but when you think about the amount of money involved it is worth the effort.