Taking time to research the market you are buying in is essential both as a buyer and a seller.

Key research required includes:

1. What are your minimum property requirements? Is a house a must have or a nice to have? Does it matter if the property is a terrace or semi, do you really need it to be detached? Do you want two double bedrooms or a double and a single?
2. Narrow your search to two or three locations and then compare the price of similar properties, understanding which areas you may pay a premium for versus ones that offer better value for money. 
3. If selling, check which agents have sold boards in the area, these are the agents that are pricing properties realistically.
4. Visit the area/roads you like at different times of the day.  Pop into the local pub/restaurant to get a good feel for the area you may be living.

 
One you have collected all the information you need, start your search for property on-line and in the local newspapers. It’s important to do this if you are selling as well as buying as it will help you identify which agents are selling your type of property in the area.

A great tip is to click the “Include Sold Properties” in your on-line search so that you see not just properties for sale, but what has been priced correctly and has sold as a result.