Looking To Move? Tips On Getting To Know A New Area Even While Staying At Home
27 Mar 2020

When it comes to moving house, getting acquainted with a new location is as important as choosing the right property.When it comes to moving house, getting acquainted with a new location is as important as choosing the right property.

The commute time to work, how close is your home to the nearest shops or how long will it take to do the school run? These are some of the many important aspects which are likely to become part of a daily routine.

Even in these current unprecedented times when almost all of us are staying at home, there are plenty of online and non-contact opportunities to help house hunters who have temporarily put their physical search for a new home on hold.

For now, the Internet may be the only information gathering tool you are able to access, and developers like Linden Homes Midlands can provide a one stop shop for people searching their preferred property, the immediate location and surrounding areas, essential travel link details and a guide to curbing the cost of moving.

Linden Homes Midlands sales and marketing director Nicky Chapman said: “The current situation means that due to the Government’s social distancing and other advice, potential buyers are not able to visit our developments, take a look around our show homes, tour the surrounding areas and not least – chat face to face with our sales teams.

“However, for those many people who still have plans to move to a new home in 2020, there is still plenty of opportunity for them to gather information and set goals for themselves in preparation for later in the year when we hope the restrictions will be lifted.

“Customers can now arrange virtual visits via Skype with our sales staff so that we can offer video calling to ensure they are able to talk through key procedures and visually demonstrate any key material. We would urge people to use any spare time they have at home during this period of uncertainty to start planning ahead.

“In addition, this may be a good time to plan finances for the months ahead and take a really good look at the many incentives Linden Homes – party of Vistry Group - can offer to help curb the cost of moving when the time comes.”“In addition, this may be a good time to plan finances for the months ahead and take a really good look at the many incentives Linden Homes – party of Vistry Group - can offer to help curb the cost of moving when the time comes.”

Some tips to prepare for your house buying journey:

  • Set yourself some weekly goals when it comes to information gathering and keep a written record of your achievements.
  • Write a clear list of what you / your family is looking for in the design of home and check this against the floor plans which are available online.
  • Print off the online development brochures and check prices on the website.
  • Use the local information tab as the first port of call to find out about on the doorstep amenities, schools etc – a Google search can then provide you with more information and perhaps even plan a timed, virtual journey to your place of work through Google maps.
  • Even though schools are currently closed, you can still find out the OFSTED rating of the local schools.
  • Online calculations are available to help plan your finances; ie how much deposit is required, what stamp duty you will have to pay.
  • On developments where available, potential purchasers can use the virtual tour facility to get a 360 degree look at the home or view a show home video.
  • Use the ‘Contact Us’ tools to speak to a sales executive if you have any specific questions or to arrange a virtual appointment.
  • Visit Government websites like https://www.helptobuy.gov.uk/ and https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax

Nicky added “For many people, moving home can be an exciting, yet at the same time, rather daunting experience – particularly if it is to a brand-new area.Nicky added “For many people, moving home can be an exciting, yet at the same time, rather daunting experience – particularly if it is to a brand-new area.

“However, if you do your homework properly you can ensure your new home suits the whole family. We are often told location, location, location is key – but becoming acquainted with a particular area is as equally important as find that dream property.”

Linden Homes latest Coronavirus update as of 25 March 2020:Linden Homes latest Coronavirus update as of 25 March 2020:

While our sites and sales offices are closed, we will stay ‘open for business’ and customers and clients will still be able to contact our teams on the phone and online.

We will also continue to look to support our supply chain partners during this challenging period and will remain in close communication with them.
Our thoughts remain with all those personally impacted by the outbreak, and the safety, health and wellbeing of our customers, our people and our subcontractors is the top priority.

-ENDS-

For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk

References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.

All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.