Size, style and space - how to achieve your dream home desires

Many of us have a wish list when it comes to describing our dream home; it could be having an extra bedroom, south-facing garden or ensuite bathroom.

Perhaps a three bedroom detached house hits top spot in your property priorities, or an outdoor space to enjoy time with family and friends.

And would you be able to see beyond the dated décor or old fashion kitchen unit to ensure you don’t miss out on that dream abode?

Whatever the size, style or space you have in mind – there is plenty for buyers to think in their property search and subsequent viewings, say Harrison Murray estate agents, in line with advice from the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents).

Spend some time thinking about what it is you want from your new home. What kind of property will suit your lifestyle? What location is most desirable and affordable? Do you want a garden? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you want a new or old property? Taking the time to identify what is important to you will save you time in your property search.?

Preparation is key. Be ready with a list of questions you want to ask the vendor and the estate agent. For example asking how long the house has been on the market may give you a clue to any potential problems with the property. You might also need to ask; what fixtures and fittings will be left? What are the neighbours like? Why is the vendor is moving? What are the parking arrangements? How much does the property cost to run? In order to keep each property you view clear in your mind it is best to take notes along the way.?

Be observant and look for any potential problems and unbudgeted costs such as broken guttering, cracks in the interior and exterior walls or brown stains on the ceiling that may indicate a leaky roof for example.?

Try to visualise yourself living there by ignoring the décor if it isn’t to your taste and try to think about whether your furniture will fit into the house, and how it will look with your style applied to it. View the property in daylight and be sure to check out the area at other times of the day: a quiet road might be manic during rush hour and a desirable neighbourhood may look different at night.?

Be polite but don't feel uncomfortable looking around a house, it is a big investment to make, so it pays to be a little nosey.

And if you are looking to carry out improvements to your own home this summer, this list reveals the most popular project planned for 2015 – according to those intended to carry them out!

Decorating 25%
New kitchen 8.3%
New bathroom 7%
Extension 3.9%
Loft, garage or cellar conversion 2.6%
New boiler 2.4%
Double glazing or insulation 2%