How to spot investment potential
Moving house? See which areas are on the up so you make a good investment!
Thinking about moving house? Look out for these 10 telling signs of a housing area with good investment potential.
1) Building work
Skips and scaffolding on a street indicate that residents are investing money in improving their properties.
2) Upmarket shops
The emergence of delis, florists and trendy cafés shows there's enough disposable income to support them.
3) Name changes
This is done to make an area sound more desirable. When the old docks become The Harbourside, it's time to buy.
4) Estate agencies
Estate agents moving into an area shows it's becoming more profitable. They're often the first to spot signs of growth.
5) Bordering areas
Areas next to popular locations tend to be a good buy, as demand will usually spill over, making the area desirable by association.
6) Good transport links
This almost always increases the value of a property. Look for improvements and extensions to road and rail links.
7) University towns
Good for buy-to-let investments. Find out if there are new campuses or colleges opening in different parts of town.
8) Good schools
Always appealing to families. Keep an eye on league tables and news that schools have been awarded extra funding.
9) Modest price growth
This means house prices are on the up but haven't yet peaked - a safer bet than an area with explosive growth.
10) Council investment
Large-scale regeneration projects are planned years in advance, giving you plenty of time to get in early.
Is your postcode on the up? Check out the best places to live in the UK.
Chosen by House to home
The emergence of trendy cafes is one way to tell is a housing area is on the up
