10 things to do before you move out of London

1.       Get an up to date valuation on the value of your home. This is the foundations for the future search and will give you a relevant guide boundary of where you’ll be looking.

2.       Consider work travel requirements, get an up to date train time table, tube map, bus time table and work time prepared to commute back into the city and home in the evenings.

3.       Get a map and drawer a V shaped funnel of where you’d be prepared to go.

4.       If schools are important, check if county you are interested have the 11+ grammar system or the comprehensive one. Even if at this stage senior schooling is not an option the schools affect the house value.

5.       Write a list about what you like and dislike in the area you are currently living in. Then write another list about what it is that you will be looking to replicate in the new area.

6.       Discuss views on how important it is to have an organic butcher within walking distance compared to finding the perfect village first school with no shop in the village.

7.       Put aside a weekend and elect an area I’ll use Beaconsfield as an example. I find it useful not only to drive around the area but make appointments for view a few homes even at this early stage. Two main advantages both the Estate Agents and the homeowners know an awful lot about their locations and are often keen to give you inside information regarding schools etc.

8.       Link in to area social networks, for example, Beaconsfield like many towns has its own website. Also websites like www.netmums.com have local chapters with friendly people willing to give local advice online.

9.       If schools are important and you pinpoint an area that is a possibility look up the league tables on http://search.bbc.co.uk/search?scope=schoolsearch&tab=primary&q=beaconsfield You’ll be looking for out of 300 on the scale for 100% for English 100% maths and 100% Science.  National Average is 247, Bucks Average is 259 so scores above 260 are good. This is a long topic and I could go on for hours so if you require any more information please call. (01494 672086)

10.   Finally ask for your friends family connections for information on the areas you are thinking about. We all have our own opinions but you can get pretty good feedback on an area from talking it through.

 Good luck with your search.

 Chiltern Relocation offer free area guides to Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden, Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, Chesham, Amersham, Henley on Thames, Marlow, Oxford, Penn, Reading and Windsor Just call 01494 672086 or visit www.chilternrelocation.com

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