Even if you don't have kids, your future buyers might, so try to pick an area with good schools. And it doesn't matter if you're a gym-dodger - potential purchasers may want one locally. No car? No matter - inadequate parking in an area will discourage car owners, so remember to bear this in mind too.
Illustrated by Coburn
Look out for any new developments and skips outside private homes, as they're signs of new blood moving in. Large disused buildings are also prime candidates for refurbishing into flats for professionals.
Check performance tables at the Department for Education and Skills (0870 000 2288) and Ofsted inspection reports (0845 640 4045) to see how schools are performing - marked improvements are a good sign. Also, see if there are universities in the area, giving you the option of future rental income, either for the whole property or just a room.
Illustrated by Coburn
An area that is peaceful during the day can turn into a swinging hotspot by night, so it's always a good idea to visit at different times, both during the day and week. Gangs of unsupervised kids hanging around are not a good sign of an area on the up.
New transport links signal investment, so investigate planned improvements on roads with the Highways Agency (0845 750 4030). To find out about existing travel links, contact National Rail Enquiries (0845 748 4950) for trains, or call the Travel Line on 0870 608 2608 for buses.
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