Starting the house search

Here are some useful pointers to help find your dream home:

• Check out the area
• Search for properties online
• Prove your're a serious buyer
• Consider the costs

Check out the area

First you need to check out the areas you're interested in and decide what you want from your new home.

• Is it easy to get to work?
• Are you close to shops?
• Are there good public transport links?
• Would you prefer a garden or a view of the city?

Upmystreet is a really handy website to help you research areas you are interested in, from details on local schools to what you can expect your neighbours to be like!

Google Maps give you an aerial view of the location you're interested in from the comfort of you own home.

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Search for properties online

Once you've found an area you like, it's time to start the search. Check out the thousands of properties we have for sale at Halifax Estate Agents using HomeFinder search tool.

You'll be registered on our system which matches your requirements to properties for sale. You can also be informed about suitable properties within minutes of them coming on to the market, by text, email or post, whichever you prefer

If you've fallen in love with an area but can't find a house up for sale, consider doing a door drop to encourage potential sellers to get in touch. Here's an example of a letter that you could use.

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Prove you’re a serious buyer

You need to let each estate agent know you are 100% serious about buying. Let them know if you have an online mortgage promise and keep up the contact. They should be able to email, call or even text you with new properties as soon as they come up.

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Consider the costs

Don't forget the cost to consider both before and once you've moved into a property. For example, you might love the area but not the council tax band you fall into!

Now it's time to start viewing properties

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage