Home-hunt secrets
We reveal the essential insider tips and tricks for pinning down the property of your dreams
Feature Natalie Osborn Images Your Move
House hunting is a minefield. It may seem all fun and games when Kirstie and Phil are frolicking in a Suffolk hamlet, but down in the trenches of useless property email alerts and abysmal listing photos, your ideal property can seem like a million miles (and pounds) away. But there is hope. On these pages you will find your three-pronged attack for finding the best properties on the market, starting with how to handle estate agents and finishing with a few outside-of-the-box tricks which could just tip you over the edge into home ownership. There are also five handy online tools (four of which are free) to help whittle down your choices and search area. Wishlists at the ready, HomeStylers – into battle we go!
Qs for the vendors
How long have you lived here? What work have you done to the property? What are the neighbours like? How much do your utility bills cost?