Home Buyer Mortgage Advice in Doncaster

If you are local to the Doncaster area or are considering moving outside of Doncaster, one of the important factors when moving home in Doncaster is knowing the area you are hoping to live in. 

It isn’t as easy as just picking a random property on the street say “that ‘ll do”. You need to look at how the area currently looks, what facilities are close by, and if the property has everything you need.

To help give you a better understanding of things to look out for when picking the ‘right’ area, we have put together a detailed list of the different types of factors that you, as a home buyer, need to look into when purchasing a property in Doncaster.

1. Busy town or relaxing countryside?

First thing you need to do is come up with a list of the type of area you would like to start living in, the way you need to look at it is you’ll be living within that property for a long time, so the area is very crucial.

Since Doncaster is a minster town, it’s ideal for those who prefer an urban lifestyle. But, if you prefer country life, you’ll need to move slightly further towards the outer areas of Doncaster.

If you were planning to move more to the outside of Doncaster, rather than closer to the town center and don’t drive, then you’ll need to make sure there are plenty of transportation links to choose from.

Transportation links are key for the area especially if you rely on them for work, seeing family or friends, or going away for a night out. Doncaster has plenty of transportation links, you have the choice to go on foot, by taxi, train, bus, and cycling. Each option will allow you to commute to and from the town itself.

Whilst having those link are positive, there is a cost element. What type of public transport are you taking? How much does it cost to get there and which method is the most cost-effective? Especially when you’ll soon have to pay off your mortgage monthly.

If you are driving, how much fuel will you need to pay per week? Especially with rising fuel costs, but luckily Doncaster is a minster town, but all these are important factors still need to be taken into consideration when making a decision.

3. Schools & Education 

If you have any kids or planning to start a family, you should do some research on the closest school area. Review the school league tables and any Ofsted reports, this will help you get a better idea of what the school is like.

4. Nearby Facilities – What You Need Vs What You Want 

Always make a note of the facilities close by, especially the ones you particually like. For example if you would like to have a particular shop, take a look at the local area to see what is there. Closer to the center of Doncaster, you are likely to find most of what you are looking for.

Of course if you’re living further away from Doncaster, you may need to prioritise what is essential, but you will have the benefit of these possibly costing less. Remember that essential shopping probably outweigh treats like a gym.

5. Friends and Family 

Depending on how far away or close you are to family or friends, that will be a huge factor in the area you live in. Many will want their family and friends nearby, especially if they have kids. Whereas others may prefer a quiet life, only socialising occasionally.

Going back to transport links, even if you are a little bit away from family and friends, you may still be within traveling distance, due to the number of transport options around the area.

6. Is the property good value for money? 

Depending on the area you are looking to live in, will dictate Doncaster’s property prices. Some choose to look to go for a cheaper property initially, compromising on features and facilities they would’ve liked, in order to save some money, before moving later down the line.

7. What is the community like? 

It’s the people that make the area, some may prefer a quieter life, staying to themselves, whereas others may prefer to have a much busier community. We recommend speaking with an estate agent to learn more about what it’s like.

With the uprise of technology, most places have a community Facebook page or local newsletter to take a look at, you can normally find a lot of information online.

8. Change of Career 

If you are moving to Doncaster because of a career change, make sure to look at the level of distance between your new home and your new workplace. You may find that most people do commute to work in Doncaster from the outskirts, with plenty of transport links to choose from.

This makes quieter, more affordable living a much more viable option. Whereas others prefer to work from home, so this may reduce the need to travel to work.

9. Property Type 

Many different types of property are available on market, with the area you are looking to buy in is a factor in which type is more widespread. Some may prefer to live on an end-terrace with a garden to chill, while others would choose to live in a new build, flat or studio apartment.

Just double-check to make sure you’ve reviewed all of the different options. Attending viewings is a good way to get a feel for the property and the sort you would prefer to live in too.

10. Local Developments 

Make sure to see if there are any future improvements in the area you’re hoping to live in, especially if you’re looking to live there for a number of years.

Online research will definitely be worth your while when you are looking to find any future investments. It’s important to consider whether or not these will be beneficial to you and your lifestyle.

If you prefer a quiet country life, your ideal perfect world may be turned upside down if there’s any plans for a sudden big housing development nearby.

Moving Home in Doncaster

When the time comes to start making offers on a property and getting yourself a mortgage, it is worth getting yourself booked in for a free mortgage appointment. Our fast & friendly Mortgage Advisors in Doncaster will be glad to help!

We work from early until late, every day of the week and including some weekends and bank holidays, subject to appointment availability. Whether you need help as a first time buyer in Doncaster or are moving home in Doncaster, we will be more than happy to help you along with your mortgage journey.

Date Last Edited: December 6, 2023