Before you make your big move – check out our ultimate area vetting guide

DING DING Got a text! It’s Rightmove with another notification on two beds in your area. These garden flats are bit of you! But woah there keen bean. Though you’re chomping at the bit to do bits in a new North London postcode, don’t go putting all your eggs in one leasehold just yet. Yes, that Harringay open-plan is just your type of property, but do you know what the local transport is like? How about schools, green spaces and the neighbours? It’s time to do the deep dive. We’re here to walk you through what background checks you should be doing before you lay it on factor 50 with our area vetting guide…

N4! You’ve found the one!

So, your head’s been turned by a right sort in Stroud Green – a long, tall, end-of-terrace stunner with high ceilings and private rooftop views to boot. You’re ready to make them an offer they can’t refuse, but have you met their noisy neighbours? Sure, you’ve seen them of a romantically-lit early evening viewing, but have you visited in the harsh light of day? And what about that commute? No one’s worth an 80 minute stress journey after a long day at the office my friend. Time for a deep and meaningful with your friends at Davies & Davies. Pull up a bean bag and let’s really talk about finding the one with our area vetting guide.

Get to know: Arrange multiple viewings

If you’ve only viewed your dream home once and it’s a brand new zone for you, then it’s still early days. We suggest really getting to know the area and popping by for a day date and an evening stroll – from rush hour to a Sunday afternoon. Arranging multiple viewings can be tricky unless you’re buying, in which case booking a second visit should be fine. Try out the neighbourhood with your sensible goggles on and scope the vibes without the rosy tints. If you’re feeling chatty, try talking to the neighbours to get a real sense of the street. If it’s the great place you feel it is, they’ll be keen to spill the goss – good or bad. At the very least you’ll know who you’re contending with.

Crouch End, Hidden treasure

Say you’ve got your heart set on a light and airy period conversion in sunny Crouch End. Best believe you’ll have some fierce competition here, so you might want to act fast. Time to grab an espresso from LoFI and take a caffeinated power walk around the Broadway to make sure this is the spot for you. We suggest checking out the local amenities quick sharp, to get a feel for the retail therapy, eateries and watering holes so you know you won’t go hungry on a hangover or find yourself lagging on a crucial date. Fortunately for you, Crouch End is the sauce and was even voted Best Place To Live In London 2023 by The Sunday Times. The area is full to the brim with things to do and places to go. From live comedy at the King’s Head to a proper dog walk around Alexandra Park, all before a gig in Ally Pally that eve. Sorted.

Open your eyes to those red flags

Open your eyes! There are major turn offs and red flags that you might turn a blind eye to now, which will cause ick and arguments in the future. Take it from your experienced estate agents, we know what to look out for. Hashtag flooding risk, anyone? Check out the Environmental Agency’s website for information on flooding risks based on postcodes, and while you’re there take a gander at their data on air quality and pollution to avoid feeling properly smogged off down the line. Another red flag to address is the local crime statistics which you can download from data.police.uk. Do bear in mind this is London though Carl, so you’ll have to take these stats with a pinch of salt – lest you fancy moving to the Shetland Islands. Send us a postcard, yeah?

No need to be salty, check that local authority

Look, we’ve all had some work done here and there and there’s nothing wrong with an extension shall we say. But a whole new industrial project could sway your decision from yes yes yes to an oh boy no. Our area vetting guide recommends taking a cheeky look on the local authority’s website to find out ahead of time if your shiny new postcode is planning any big changes in the near future. Hey, a whole new Aldi might float your boat, while a new and improved bus route could take things further instead of stopping you in your tracks. Don’t forget to check for any Council Tax changes that will also be detailed here – major detective vibes. We’re in for no surprises.

Finsbury Park: Ride before you buy

We can adjust our ties here and boast that all of our properties host excellent transport links. But if commuting is your thing, then we’re coupling you off with Finsbury Park – the don of transport links from Victoria, Piccadilly & Overground through Finsbury Park Station including the coveted night tube. You’ve also got the National Rail from Finsbury Park to Moorgate, Horsham, Hertford, Cambridge and Brighton for a beach trip, as well as handy buses to Camden, Central London, Clapham, Dalston and Hackney Wick. Phew! Wherever you’re planning on making your move, we’d suggest keeping our area vetting guide handy and taking a test run first, while working out just how much it’ll cost you too.

While you’re still in the ‘talking stage’, why not swipe around our potential matches and scroll through our well-thumbed and heavily informed Neighbourhood Guides. Hey, it’s just research after all… Crack on!

Contact us:

mark@daviesdavies.co.uk – Sales Director (contact for sales, lettings and new homes)

katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk – Head of Property & Block Management (contact for property and block management)

Davies & Davies Estate Agents, 85 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EG

Article & images by Barefaced Studios

You might also want to read other useful blog articles by clicking here.

Please note that all content contained within our website is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. All Content on this site is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. We advise seeking professional advice from a legal, financial, or other professional.