Phase 1 built a longlist of areas; now prices and evidence narrow it to two or three. The tool for this is not the asking prices on portals — it is achieved sold prices, recurring local costs and the practical texture of each area at address level. A right-sized search area makes every later decision faster.
Price with sold data, not listings
Asking prices are marketing; the Land Registry's sold price data is history. For each area, look up what homes like your target actually sold for in the last six months. The gap between asking and achieved varies by area and market temperature — knowing it per area is negotiating intelligence you will use in Phase 4.
Recurring costs differ by postcode
The same salary stretches differently across areas: council tax bands and the councils' rates differ, commuting costs compound daily, and flats bring service charges that vary block by block. Compare areas on total monthly cost of living there, not just purchase price.
Score areas consistently
Use the same criteria for every candidate — commute, prices for your property type, schools if relevant, green space, noise, flood risk, transport plans — and score them side by side in the area comparison worksheet. Consistency is what makes the comparison honest when one area is charming and another merely sensible.
| Criterion | Area A | Area B | Area C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sold prices for my target property type | |||
| True commute door-to-door at peak | |||
| Council tax and running costs | |||
| Schools / amenities that matter to us | |||
| Flood risk, crime, noise | |||
| Gut feel after two visits |
Your action list
Practical tips
- The postcode next to the famous one often buys the same life 10–15% cheaper.
- If two areas tie on paper, the one with better transport options protects resale value.
What can go wrong
- An affordable purchase price in an area with brutal commuting or council tax costs is not affordable — it is deferred cost.
- Narrowing to a single area before seeing real stock makes you hostage to whatever happens to be listed there.
- PropertySquares provides education, not financial or legal advice. Verify current rules and obtain advice for your circumstances before acting.