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Related guides in Which? Check your credit score for free. Find out what your credit score means, and the services that allow you to check it for free. In Insurance. Home insurance explained. How to renew your home insurance How to find cheap home insurance. All 8 guides. Equity release. Up-and-coming areas often spring up next to places that are already popular, because people are priced out of that location and are looking to move as near as possible instead. When new homes are built, they can sometimes increase the value of surrounding properties too.

Be careful though — if too many new properties flood the market, the value of your property may go down. Consider who lives in your local area — is it mostly young couples, families or seniors? This could influence which types of properties are most in demand from buyers in the future. A one-bedroom flat could be more likely to grow in value in a major city than in an area that skews towards families with children.

Some — such as a local supermarket or school — may boost house prices, but others e. If a local authority is planning to regenerate a town centre, this is likely to boost the local economy and drive up house prices in future.

The opening of new restaurants, cafes and shops, particularly if they're more up-market than other businesses in the area, is a key sign of an area on the up.

This is a sign that local homeowners are putting time and money into maintaining or renovating their properties, meaning you may be buying at the start of an upswing in prices. If a new school is being built or a nearby school has improved its Ofsted rating, properties in the catchment zone can attract a premium price.

But keep in mind that catchment boundaries can shift. New employment opportunities in a region can boost prices. Watch this short video for insider tips on finding property hotspots from expert buying agent Tracy Kellett, founder of BDI Home Finders. Financial Services Limited. Financial Services Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Which? Limited and part of the Which? Money Compare is a trading name of Which? Money Compare content is hosted by Which? Limited on behalf of Which?

Mortgage calculators. Compare Mortgages. In this article. Area research tool: compare house prices, Ofsted ratings and more How to decide where to live Best places to live in the UK Most affordable cities in the UK. Where to live in London Video: estate agent tips on where to live Spotting up-and-coming areas Video: how to spot an up-and-coming area.

Area research tool: compare house prices, Ofsted ratings and more Before you start house-hunting, you need to work out which areas will work best for you and your family. Transport connections How easy would your commute be? Rush-hour traffic Living in an area with schools, shopping centres or popular venues such as a sports stadium or theatre can be a huge bonus.

School catchment areas If you have or are planning to have children, check out the catchment areas for local schools on the local authority's website. Local environment Being downwind of sewage works, or having hordes of tourists passing your front window during the holiday season, can turn a dream location into a nightmare.

Air quality Air pollution can have an effect on your health, on both a short- and long-term basis. Neighbours If you can, spend time chatting to potential future neighbours before you make an offer.

New developments Are there any planned changes to the area that could negatively or positively affect you? Crime rates How do crime rates and types compare with other areas? Ranking Local authority Why is it one of the best places to live? Calculate mortgage costs.