Useful links & contacts

Researching mortgages

A good place to research mortgages is the Which? Essential Guide – ‘Buy and Sell and Move House: Navigate the Property Market without Getting Lost’.

You could also try UK Finance – they’re the trade association for the mortgage-lending industry but their website also provides consumer information. Or check out the government’s website – it has detailed, step-by-step information and advice on applying for a mortgage.

Estate agents, solicitors and conveyancers

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers has a searchable database of qualified conveyancers.

To find reputable estate agents, tips for buyers, and download property buying guides, visit the National Association of Estate Agents website.

Your solicitor should check if there are any building developments you should be aware of in the area, but you can also look yourself here.

The Law Society's website has a searchable database of solicitors. You could also ask family and friends for recommendations.

Search for a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors qualified surveyor here.

Get the Stamp Duty Land Tax basics and find out about thresholds and rates.

Researching your chosen area

You can find out more the different Council tax bands at property bands and charges.

This government website gives you information and advice on local travel by taxi, bus, train, plane or boat within the UK.

Find out about art and leisure events and facilities in the area.

Search for a local Sure Start Children's Centre.

Find NHS doctors and dentists in the area.

Find out about local crime rates.

Check out an interactive map showing information on water, pollution and landfills.

Find average house prices in England and Wales, on the Land Registry's independent house price index.

Type in the postcode to get information on crime, living environments and people from the Office of Statistics.

Find out where the green spaces are.

Research primary and secondary schools in an area and access Ofsted reports. Various national newspapers have school guides online for a small subscription.

Visit your local council's website to find leisure centres and sports activities in the area.

Useful tools

Google Street View lets you virtually check out the neighbourhood.

Use Fish4homes, Primelocation, Rightmove and Zoopla to find properties online.

Find out about road networks and future developments across England, Scotland and Wales

And for flooding use this Land Registry's flood-risk-indicator tool.