Do you dream of finding your perfect new home? Perhaps to a beautiful property with sweeping views or a far-flung destination, or maybe just around the corner to a bigger plot or a more traditional home. Whatever your goals, at times, they may seem impossible, but don’t give up hope. I’ve been deep in this process myself lately, with our own dream home build underway here in Portugal, and it’s taught me a lot about how to stay grounded while chasing that perfect place. In this guide, we’ll share some top tips to help you find the perfect new home.
Figure out what you want
This sounds simple but it’s so easy to get carried away with dreaming big when this might not actually represent what you really want from your next move. With our build, I had to constantly remind myself to focus on what we truly needed day to day, rather than what looked good on paper or in magazines. Try to focus on the present and think about what you want now. There’s no harm in planning for the future, but if you’re keen to move imminently, it’s best to figure out what’s on your wishlist for the next property. Creating a list of essential requirements and extras you’d love will help you focus your search on suitable properties.
Set a realistic budget
In a perfect world, we’d all tell estate agents money isn’t an object. But the reality is, budgets matter — especially when you’re building a home and juggling unexpected costs, like we have been. Setting a clear limit before you start looking will help you avoid falling for something out of reach and keep your search practical. That way, you’ll find the best property you can afford without the stress.
Get help with the buying process
Buying a house or land, or starting a build, sounds exciting but can quickly become overwhelming and stressful. I’ve learned that having the right experts on your side — from local solicitors to estate agents — really makes a difference. They guide you through the navigating legal steps, help arrange viewings or site visits, and negotiate offers, which saves so much time and headache. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; it’s worth it.
Be open-minded
When you’re searching for a property, it’s easy to scroll past places that don’t match your ideal first impression. But with our build, we always knew we wanted the plot next door, but staying open-minded about styles and ideas helped us shape the perfect home. Expanding your search area or thinking outside the box could open doors to unexpected gems. Sometimes, visiting places in person changes everything.
Negotiate
A house (or land) is only worth what a buyer will pay. If you find yourself in a strong position and ready to proceed, don’t be afraid to try to negotiate on the price. We’ve found that being patient and strategic, especially if the property has been on the market for a while or sellers need a quick sale, can really work in your favour. Just remember, you can always increase your offer if needed — but it’s worth starting lower if you can.
Many of us have a vision of our dream home or ambitions to explore new countries or regions. If you’re eager to move, there are steps you can take to maximise your chances of finding a perfect new home. These include making a wishlist based on what you want from your next move, setting a realistic budget, seeking expert advice, being open-minded when searching for properties and negotiating effectively. From my recent experience with building our dream home, I can tell you — it’s all about balancing dreams with practical steps to make it real.
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