Top tips on finding a perfect new home, for Valentines day couples

A housebuilder has revealed its top tips for loved-up couples on the lookout for their new home this Valentine’s Day.

Finding a dream home as a couple can result in clashes of ideas, so Barratt Homes has issued pointers on how to find a property that’s perfect for a partnership.

Buying a house may seem daunting at first and often people don’t even know where to begin, but this handy checklist gives helpful hints on how the process works.

Emma Fitton-Cook, sales manager at Barratt's St Oswald’s View development in Methley, said: “It’s natural that as a couple you might not always agree but when it comes to making what is possibly the biggest purchase of your life, it’s important you both get what you’d like.

“While you might have different ideas of what type of house you’re looking for, there are tricks you can use to make the best of the experience and buy a home you both fall in love with.”

1 Compromise is key, so while compromising isn’t always easy, this is a home for both of you to enjoy and wherever possible you should try to meet in the middle. Recognise what matters to your partner and make sure they do the same and communicate throughout the whole process.

2 Consider the best use of your future home. Your home needs to be adaptable to your needs, both present and future. Will you need an office if one of you works from home? Are you planning on adding to your family? Make sure your home will answer all needs.

3 Create a master list of the must-haves. Both of you should make a wish list for your new home separately, do you need a guest bedroom and good transport links while your partner is more concerned about the size of the living room? Go through your lists together and select features you both agree on, to create a master list of must-have priorities when searching for your new home.

4 Get your ownership options clear. There are lots of different ways to own your home as a couple from joint ownership to tenants in common. Make sure you explore all options and choose an ownership option and a mortgage that works for you as a couple. It’s important to do your research and get advice on what will be the best option for each of you individually and as a partnership.

Emma continued, “By following our top tips, couples can find a property that works for both of them, avoiding stress and clashes. Our knowledgeable sales advisers at developments are on hand to help couples who are looking for their perfect property.”

Barratt Homes currently has St Oswald’s View development in Methley, with three and four bedroom homes available.

To find out more about the couple’s guide to getting what you both want, please visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/library/New-home-A-couples-guide-to-getting-what-you-both-want/.