From Escape to the County to A Place in the Sun and Location, Location, Location, the TV schedules are packed with programmes designed to fuel our fantasies of moving to a dream destination, home or abroad.
Moving to your 'forever home' or to a place you love needn't remain a distant dream. With a little planning, dedication and imagination, it might be easier than you think to get your dream address.
Look at the numbers
If you’re selling a property, the first step is to get it valued. Then you can take a look at your dream home destinations and see if you really can afford to make the move. If your desired location is way out of your budget, don't despair, but think creatively instead.
Consider looking around a particular area rather than fixating on one postcode - there can often be huge variations in price within just a few miles. Homes which have coastal views can attract a premium, for example, while houses just a few streets back can offer much more value for money.
Living in an area known for its beauty, such as many towns and villages in the Cotswolds, might sound idyllic, but do you want to live in a tourist hotspot?
Practical things to consider before you decide on a particular house include road and train links, healthcare facilities, schools and the internet speed, especially if you’re planning on working from home. Check out the mobile phone reception by your house, and whether you can walk to the local shops or pub or whether you would always be having to drive.
It's a good idea to consider renting before you buy to get a good feel for a place. "If you’re going to live somewhere 12 months of the year, you need to know what it's like 12 months of the year," says Jonathan Hopper, CEO of Garrington property finders.
If you can't do that, then at least visit your prospective home on different times of the day or week. Does it get very busy during the school drop off and pick up times, for example? Which areas get the sun throughout the day? Do nearby church bells ring throughout the night, or is there noise from a nearby train line or airport?
Do your research
Factor in all moving costs such as conveyancing, surveys, solicitors’ fees and removals. The average cost of moving home is £10,255 according to the Home Owners Alliance, with selling costs including stamp duty, building survey, conveyancing and mortgage fees (total £4,910) and buying costs including estate agents fees, energy performance certificate and removals (total £5,345)
When it comes to your mortgage, taking the time to choose the best option for you can be worth tens of thousands of pounds over its lifetime. MoneySavingExpert has a useful Mortgage Best Buys comparison tool and don't forget to remortgage every few years when your current rate expires, or you risk moving onto the more expensive standard variable rate.
Need more help? Find an independent mortgage broker at unbiased.co.uk or .
Get some help
Save into a LISA (Lifetime ISA) to get a 25% top-up from the government, then use the money towards a home costing up to £450,000. (You must be under 40 to open a LISA and use it for buying a first home or put it towards your retirement.)
If you (and your partner) earn less than £80,000 a year, (£90,000 in London) you could be eligible for shared ownership, which lets you get a mortgage for part of the property and pay rent on the rest.
Think outside the box
Inspired by Grand Designs? Buying land and building your own home on it is also growing in popularity. If this is your dream, make sure you draw up a really detailed budget and use a quantity surveyor to get the best deals. Self-build mortgages are available. Speak to a self build specialist, such as BuildStore, for guidance.
Part-time escape
If a complete move to the coast or country feels too much, a holiday property which you can let out is a good compromise. You’ll need a specialist holiday let mortgage and if it's your second property, you'll pay an extra 3% stamp duty. If you rent it out through Airbnb, vrbo or another holiday letting company, you'll also pay fees of around 5% commission on any money you earn.
