Start with three lists: must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers. When those lists reflect how you actually spend your week—not a fantasy version of it—you will filter listings faster and avoid emotional detours.
Budget is more than the ticket price. Fold in stamp duty, registration, interiors you care about, and a buffer for surprises. A narrow, honest band keeps negotiations and bank conversations grounded.
On visits, ask the same questions in every home so you can compare answers instead of vibes alone: natural light at the hours you are home, water pressure, noise from lifts or roads, and how parking really works during peak hours.