January is all about fresh starts, setting goals and thinking about your dreams.
So, it is no surprise that January is a popular time for new home searches.
In fact, according to Rightmove, the number of buyers enquiring about homes in January 2022 is 15% higher than this time last year. And the amount of home valuation requests in the first working week of 2022 is 44% up on the same period last year, and 48% up on the same period in 2020.
We can vouch for this at a local level too.
Here at Belvoir Corby, enquiries are up from those looking to buy or sell properties in the area and we have more prospective tenants than we have housing stock in Corby.
So, if you are interested in making 2022 the year that you move into a new home, we have pulled together a list of things for you to think about.
Location, location, location
This has long been a phrase associated with buying and selling houses and there is a reason for that. You can extend a property if it is too small, or redecorate it if it isn’t to your taste, but you can’t pick it up and move it to somewhere else, so it needs to be in the right location.
As a location, Corby has plenty to offer. The town centre has seen significant regeneration in recent years, but house prices continue to be very affordable, and access to the London and other major cities is simple thanks to its central Midlands location and great rail links.
Whatever your requirements, from the characteristic charm of the Old Village, Weldon and Great Oakley village to the new family friendly housing estates of Little Stanion and Oakley Vale, think about where you want to settle and why.
Take your time to walk around different areas and get a feel for each neighbourhood before you make a decision.
Your finances
Whether you are looking to get a mortgage or secure a tenancy, you need to make sure that you have your finances in order and won’t come unstuck by a credit check or not having the sufficient documentation required, such as payslips, a utility bill with your current address on it or photo ID. Do you have any debts, overdrafts or credit cards you could get paid off or reduced over the next few months to improve your affordability?
Size matters
Think about what you want from your home and the way you want to live. This should dictate the type of property you should move to. Would you consider a newer three-storey town house by the train station or on Oakley Vale? Or are you looking for an older home with some period features, like a terraced house in an older part of Corby with a fireplace and quarry tiles? Will you need a study or spare bedroom to work from home? Is a garden important to you? Or would you be quite happy living close to some open green space like the Boating Lake, East Carlton Park or Kingswood Woods? Would you be happy with an allocated garage space on Danesholme? Or do you need to see your car from your window on a driveway? Put together a comprehensive list of ‘must haves’. This will help enormously with your property search.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask the experts for help. Our team have years of experience, not only in the industry, but in the local property market. They can answer any questions you have around school catchment areas in Corby, local bus routes and the best takeaways and restaurants in town!
They can also talk practically about local demand, housing stocks and the property buying process and work with you to find a property that is right for you and your life.
Make 2022 the year you find your perfect home!
Call us today on 01536 261666, email corby@belvoir.co.uk, or pop in and see us for an informal chat at our office on George Street in the heart of Corby town centre.
