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How to research the property market before you buy

November 23, 2022 | Buying

Whether you’re a first home buyer, an avid-investor, or looking to downsize, we’ve put together our top tips on how to research the property market to buy.

Researching the property market involves more than just heading to a few open houses and learning some stats on the area you’re looking at. If you’re keen to purchase property, it is important that you have a thorough understanding of what you’re looking for and that you know how to make the best decision that suits you and your situation.

1. Determine your budget

An obvious but crucial first step – determining how much you want to spend ( and have been approved to spend)  on this property. It is vital this is done up-front, before you look at different areas and types of property and well before you start searching on the real estate portals. You and a financial planner or mortgage broker should look at your current financial state, existing investments and current spending to determine how much you will be able to use or borrow to buy.

2. Research the community and surrounding area

Before becoming overwhelmed with a barrage of options on the real estate portals, it is important to first have an idea of what you are looking for in terms of location. Understanding what matters to you most will allow you to start your journey.

Ask yourself questions like does the community reflect your lifestyle? Are there appropriate amenities for you and your family or pets? Are there any development projects in the pipeline that could affect the area both positively and negatively? Just as necessary is asking yourself what is important to you about the area you live in? Do you want to be close to greenery and space? Are bars and restaurants more up your alley? How important is access to public transport or proximity to family and friends?

Once you’re equipped with an area in mind, you can focus your attention on the insights and data from that micro market. Information such as type of properties available, demographics in the area, and days on market are all important to understand both for those looking to purchase homes to live in and for investors.

Looking for a short cut on data- email us directly at hello@aboderealty.ca and we will happily provide you any data that you are seeking in prospective markets.

3. Work out how your property criteria

Real estate can be an emotional purchase, so you need to work out your non-negotiables before you start your search. Questions to ask yourself could include:

  • How many bedrooms will you need?
  • What style are you looking for?
  • What are the must-haves?
  • What are the nice-to-haves?
  • What are the deal-breakers?
  • How long will you keep this property?
  • Who would be the next buyer of this property?
  • What is the growth potential of the property?

4. Understand local property trends and the state of the market

Whilst you cannot pick the market, keeping your eye on trends, news and insights can be helpful in the long term.

In saying this, occasionally in an effort to gain clicks and views, the media can exaggerate a story or angle to the extreme. A balanced way to gain insight is to keep across multiple news sources, as well as closely reviewing property data from active agents and real estate authorities.

5. Talk to a local agent

Cap off your own research by speaking to a trusted professional in your local area. This is a chance to verify the information you have gathered – or even better, ask them to do the research for you! At the end of the day, an agent will know how to find you your perfect home, and be able to provide you first access when a property that suits your criteria is coming to market.

Searching for your next property? Speak to our team today.