The Blog

Welcome to our round-up of some of the property news stories that have caught our eye this past month. Prices Remain Strong The average price of a house is still on the up, according to analysis of the figures by Halifax. Looking at all the stats, the bank noted that through September the average UK property price is now priced at a record £267,587. What’s more, annual house price inflation is up to 7.4 per cent, from 7.2 per cent. This is interesting because the Stamp Duty deadlines have passed, and so it is good to see prices still buoyed. The slight fly in the ointment might be the fact that the Bank of England figures show the number of mortgages approved to finance house purchases fell in August 2021 by one per cent. Perhaps there is a slight softening of the market overall. Here in South East London and North Kent, we are still selling properties for, or above, the asking price. What’s more, it is only taking days for some properties to sell, and just hours for properties to rent out. If you’ve been thinking about doing something with your property, now is still a good time. Overall though, supply is still down. An ongoing issue in the property market has been further highlighted in a report that looks at key trends in the sector. Landmark Information Group’s Property Trends Report shows that for a fifth consecutive month, there has been a low number of properties coming to the market. Demand, as they say, is outstripping supply. There could be a number of reasons for this, but we would say that if you really want to sell, get your property on the market now. There will be interested parties lining up to look around and any one of those could be a potential buyer. Negotiating Confidence Around 64 per cent of UK homebuyers and renters say they feel confident negotiating over property prices, reports PropertyWire. But six in 10 admit “the biggest challenge is timing and knowing when to negotiate”. It’s an interesting one. On the one hand, people say they are confident but actually, they don’t really know when to negotiate. It’s what one might call a paradox. But, there’s a way through. Use an estate agent who can use their knowledge and expertise to negotiate at the right time. We can do that for you! We know the South East London and North Kent inside out and so are able to take action when we need to. Going Green Paying Off Have you installed eco-friendly systems in your home? If you haven’t, you could be missing out. This has been written about by many, including Property Reporter, which says that property website Rightmove has looked at house prices and Energy Performance Certificates. It’s been reported that people who have “upgraded their rating from an F to a C, are adding an average of 16% to the price achieved for their home”. That’s a huge jump, but before you do anything, have a look at the costs involved and the efficiencies made. You’ve got to make sure the figures work for you. If you need any advice on this, give us a call on 020 3633 9866. James Gorey Estate Agents are your local property experts for the South East London and North Kent area. Call us on 020 3633 9866 or email info@jamesgorey.com to find out how we can help you buy a new home or sell your property.

Well, the answer to this question is ….. maybe! Some might, and some are unlikely to. Some may add to the value, but some may be valuable in other ways. So, here, we at James Gorey Estate Agents take a look at whether all home improvements are equal. We have bags of experience in property in and around South East London and North Kent, so if you need some expert advice on exactly what could add value to your home, just get in touch. Call us on 020 3633 9866 or email us at info@jamesgorey.com. What classes as a home improvement? To start with, what exactly constitutes a home improvement? This is an interesting one. A new central heating system is undoubtedly an improvement, but chances are that a new system is being installed because the old one isn’t up to the job. So, yes, it is a home improvement, but it’s not the same as, for example, building a conservatory. Get a bit lofty Many people are looking for a home that gives them space. Perhaps a growing family needs a couple of extra bedrooms, or a room is needed to use as a space in which to partake in a hobby or to work. There’s no doubt that in the right area, the number of bedrooms can help increase the price of your property. You could go up into the loft, making good use of a void, or you might decide to have an extension built. The thing to consider here though is why you are having the improvement done and what it costs. If it costs you £25,000 to have your loft converted, and it will only add an extra £10,000 to the property, does it make sense? Perhaps not if you’re doing it to sell your home, but it will if you intend on staying there and need the space. Kitchen improvements They say that the kitchen is the heart of a home. A tatty, tired-looking kitchen with units from the 1970s may well put people off. If you have a brand new, sparkling kitchen, then you can certainly up the value of your home. If you don’t want to go the whole way to getting a new kitchen, have you thought about putting new handles on cupboards, painting doors, installing a new worktop? There are alternatives. Drive up the value You may be tempted to create space by adding a bedroom, office or playroom by converting the garage. But, put the brakes on and have a think. If you need to, fine. But, think about those who may buy your house when you sell. Are they likely to need a garage? So will you be driving up the value or making your property harder to sell? By changing the use of the garage, you may be devaluing the price and attractiveness of your home – particularly if you’re in a busy town or city centre where parking is at a premium. Decorating and landscaping You’ve chosen some lovely wallpaper. And while you were at the DIY store, you picked up some ideas about landscaping the garden too. But, wait a minute. If you’re decorating or landscaping, you’re probably doing it to your tastes. That’s fair enough, but if a potential buyer comes along and really doesn’t like what you’ve done, you may not be getting any future value out of it – although landscaping may make your home more attractive and so easier to sell. It’s about the value of kerb appeal! What’s the added value? It’s difficult to put a value on home improvements as they vary so much. A bathroom in one house may add £10,000 to a property, but a bathroom at another house that doesn’t match the same quality finish, may add just a couple of thousand. A decent loft conversion could add up to £30,000 to a property, but the profit depends on exactly how much it cost you in the first place. As you can see from a brief look online, a lot of “value” is based on estimates. Based on our experience and knowledge of the local property market in South East London and North Kent, we can tell you what your property is worth now, and what it might be worth with a few home improvements. James Gorey Estate Agents are your local property experts for the South East London and North Kent area. Call us on 020 3633 9866 or email info@jamesgorey.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

Sealing the deal for your new home is about as exciting as it gets. It’s the chance for a fresh start and the opportunity to put your stamp on a completely new property. However, before you can pop open the champagne and raise a toast to your new home, you first need to pack up your old one. Very few people, if any, enjoy the process of packing, especially the lengthy ordeal of having to pack up everything you and your family own in the whole world when moving home. Unfortunately though, it has to be done. However, there are ways in which you can make this undertaking a little bit easier, quicker and less stress-inducing. From using a colour coded labelling system, to picking the right boxes, to systematically making your way through your home; keep reading to discover our top tips on how you can effectively pack for moving house and avoid any potential packing disasters. Start by decluttering Everybody has items in their house that they no longer want or need. They may have been hidden in a drawer or under a bed for some time and you may be surprised at just how much unwanted clutter you have squirreled away. These items should be thrown away or donated immediately as you do not want to have to pay a removal company to deliver things to your new home that you don’t even want. Make sure you are thorough with this process and clear out your entire home including your loft, basement, garden and any other exterior spaces. Scrutinise your new floorplan You may have been provided with a brochure containing a floorplan of your new property when you originally viewed it, complete with the exact dimensions of all of the rooms. This is a handy document to keep as you can then inspect this plan and use it to help you decide which furniture you can comfortably take to your new home, plus you can check measurements for elements such as curtains, blinds and rugs. The earlier you undertake this task, the sooner you can sell any items that will not fit or are not needed in your new home. Make an inventory list You should make a comprehensive list of any of your valuable and smaller belongings that you will be taking to your new home. This is important for ensuring that nothing gets lost while being transported, as well as helping to work out how many and which type of packing boxes you will need. Pick a reputable removals company You can choose to rent a van and carry out your move yourself, however, be warned, this is a tough job, especially if you have a lot of heavy or delicate items to move. Therefore, most people will decide to save themselves the stress, and outsource this job to a local removals company. As you are entrusting all your worldly possessions to this company, you will want to ensure that you pick a reputable one that has received a lot of positive reviews. If in doubt, ask family and friends for recommendations. Start packing Now you can actually start packing up your belongings. It is a good idea to purchase high quality packing materials including sturdy boxes, bubble wrap and tissue paper to avoid any breakages. You can also utilise scrunched up paper to prevent items such as TV and computer screens, mirrors and picture frames from becoming scratched. You should work your way systematically through your house, starting at the top of the property and completing each room before you move onto the next, as this will help prevent you from forgetting any items. The most effective labelling system is using colour coded labels to identify different rooms in your home, such as blue for bathroom items, yellow for kitchen accessories and so on. This will make the unpacking process in your new home a lot simpler. Other packing tips include: Pack heavy items in smaller boxes Clearly label boxes that contain breakables or valuable items Utilise blankets and pillows for packing delicate items Pack important documents such as passports, marriage and birth certificates in one box together Prepare an overnight bag You may not want to start unpacking straight away when you arrive at your new home, especially if you have had a long journey. Therefore, you should pack an overnight essentials bag so that you have clean clothes and toiletries on hand without having to start opening securely taped boxes. In your overnight bag you may want to include: Clean clothes Nightwear Essential toiletries A kettle with coffee/teabags Snacks Plates, cutlery and a cloth A first aid kit A torch A small tool kit It is also a good idea to pack a small bag for the journey that includes any important documents you may need such as the details of your removal company, bottled water and a selection of snacks and in-car mobile phone chargers. For expert home moving advice, contact our team of professionals at James Gorey Estate Agents on 020 3633 9866 or call into our office. We look forward to welcoming you.

Finding the best tenants for your rental property in South East London and North Kent is perhaps the most important aspect of being a landlord. Good tenants will always pay their rent on time, respect the property as if it’s their own, and leave it in excellent condition when they move out, giving you far less headaches to deal with. But how can you ensure you attract the best tenants? 1. Define Your Target Tenants Are you happy to rent your South East London and North Kent property to students or professionals? Maybe you would prefer to rent it to a family? Defining your target tenants will help play a key part in how you market the property, so your adverts can be tailored towards your target audience. 2. Market Your Property Well Making your property stand out is essential, particularly if you’re advertising on a national website where thousands of potential renters are looking. Ensure that your lettings agent or property management company take photos which highlight your property’s assets, and make sure they’re taken in a good light too. And when it comes to descriptions, these will need to be clear and concise, and aimed at your target tenants. For example, if you’re looking to attract young professionals you’ll want to highlight local transport links, whereas if you’re targeting families you’re more likely to highlight the proximity of the local schools. It is always worth hiring a lettings agent to market the property, as they’ll have the experience and expertise to ensure that your property stands out from the crowd and is showcased in its best light. 3. Don’t Restrict Yourself To give yourself the best chance of finding good tenants you’ll need to cast the net far and wide to find them. Instead, it’s a good idea to ensure your property is marketed on multiple websites with nationwide audiences, so you can get the word out to as many people as possible. And there’s no harm in being creative either. You can check social media or marketplace websites to find people who are looking for a place to rent. Consider everything, as you may be surprised where you actually find your tenant. 4. Entrust Viewings to Your Lettings Agent The best way to find out about your potential tenants is to meet them in person. That way you should be able to build up a good picture of them and decide if they’re the best tenants for your property. This will be possible if you are dealing with viewings yourself, or alternatively, if you are employing the services of a lettings agent you can entrust them to find suitable tenants and then meet the potential tenant for a final say. It’s also worth clarifying with them whether they’ll conduct individual viewings, group ones or an open house session. Individual viewings help get a feel for the client and can be fed back to you. 5. Carry Out Checks It’s vital that you perform checks on prospective tenants so you can protect yourself from potential long-term issues with problem renters. There are numerous checks you can carry out and it’s up to you how thorough you wish to be, but one essential check is the ‘right to rent’ check. This will tell you if your tenant can legally rent your property. If you fail to carry this out, you could land yourself with a substantial fine so it’s crucial that you take the advice of an experienced lettings agent. 6. Present the Property Properly It’s very important to present your property in its best light. This means ensuring that all minor repairs have been carried out before viewings take place, maybe a fresh lick of paint, and of course the place needs to be clean. If you have missing light bulbs and wallpaper hanging off the walls it not only gives a bad impression of you as a landlord, but it also suggests to prospective tenants that they don’t need to look after the property either. After all, if you want them to leave the place as they found it, then it’s important that their first impression is a good one. 7. Improve Your Property’s Kerb Appeal Presentation applies to the outside as well as the interior. Whether it’s just de-weeding the front garden or adding a couple of hanging baskets, it’s wise to make the property look as appealing as possible at first glance. Again, this comes down to making a good first impression and appealing to tenants who’ll want to maintain the property to its current standards. 8. Showcase a Blank Canvas Finally, before you even think about taking photos or starting viewings make sure that you’ve emptied the property of any unnecessary clutter. This will help emphasise the space that’s on offer and give potential tenants the chance to visualise themselves living there. James Gorey Estate Agents are your local lettings experts for the South East London and North Kent area. Call us on 020 3633 9866 or email info@jamesgorey.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

The UK property market appears to be stabilising after a frantic 15 months, and the stamp duty holiday is finally coming to an end this month. Read on to find out more, with some of September’s key headlines: Stamp Duty Holiday To End The tax holiday on stamp duty will finally draw to a close at the end of September in England and Northern Ireland after 15 months. The scheme was introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July 2020 to stimulate the housing market following the first national lockdown and is widely considered to have been a great success. House prices have rocketed, and demand has soared thanks to the tax break, which meant savings of up to £15,000 for buyers. Initially, the holiday allowed buyers to avoid stamp duty on properties up to £500,000. This was then lowered to £250,000 earlier this year, and from 1st October it will be axed completely, with stamp duty payable on all properties over £125,000 as the UK economy continues to bounce back post-pandemic. Rents Outside London Rising At Fastest Rate For 13 Years Leading property website Zoopla has reported a significant rise in rental prices across the UK, with prices increasing at their highest rate since 2008. Their data indicates that rental prices have risen by 5% on average in the 12 months to the end of July, meaning renters are forking out an extra £456 a year on average. The trend doesn’t apply to London though, with average rental prices in the capital actually falling 3.8% as renters moved away from the city during the peak of the pandemic. Government To Spend £8.6bn on 119,000 Affordable Homes The UK government has announced a new funding package to help thousands of people get on to the property ladder. Approximately 119,000 new homes are to be built, with 57,000 available to buy, and just under 30,000 available for social rent. The scheme has been confirmed in response to the growing trend of demand outstripping supply, which has pushed prices up to unaffordable levels for many would-be buyers, as the government looks to redress the balance. Top 5 Hotspots For Sellers Revealed A study by leading property website Rightmove has revealed the top five property hotspots for sellers. With demand for homes far outweighing supply, some towns across the UK have become hotspots, with more buyers on the market than at any time in the past 10 years. Newmarket in Suffolk tops the hotspot list. The market town that’s synonymous with horse racing has seen the number of homes available for sale drop by 49% in the past year, while the number of sales being agreed has gone up 79%. As a result, asking prices have seen a 9% increase since 2019, with average prices now sitting at £320,000. It’s a similar story in the Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted. The commuter town has seen a 57% drop in the number of properties for sale, with a 59% increase in properties sold. Similarly, prices have increased by 9% since 2019, with the average property now costing a shade over £694,000. The rest of the top five is completed by Witney in Oxfordshire, High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, and St Ives in Cambridgeshire. Perhaps tellingly, all five hotspots are peaceful, countryside locations away from the city centres. Pet-Friendly Rental Homes Increase In Demand A report from national property portal Rightmove has revealed a huge increase in demand for rental properties that accept pets. It’s estimated that over a third of UK households have become pet owners since the first lockdown in March 2020, as furloughed employees and those who are new to working from home picked up pets to keep them company while spending more time indoors. As a result, demand for pet-friendly rental properties has increased by a whopping 120%, with ‘pet-friendly’ and ‘pets allowed’ being the top searches for renters. And in a sign of the changing demands of renters, and especially those with four-legged friends to consider, the next two most popular searches are for balconies and gardens, where demand is up 70% and 39% respectively. Best Value Homes Revealed Property portal Zoopla has revealed the findings of a study that shows where buyers can get the most floor space for their money, and it makes for very interesting reading. Unsurprisingly, London is the least budget-friendly, with homes costing £562 per square foot on average, in stark contrast to the North East, which is the cheapest region at £157 per square foot. In terms of towns, Burnley is the best value place in the UK at £123 per square foot, however, perhaps the most surprising finding in the report is the cost in Kensington and Chelsea, West London. The average cost there is £1,491 per square foot, which means the floor space required for a double bed would set you back an astronomical £46,550!

There’s no denying that selling a home involves paperwork. When preparing to sell, you’ll need to declare various things to your estate agent. While you may be worried about having to share potential issues from the past, it’s important to remember that what you disclose won’t necessarily put buyers off. An old building can be seen as an ‘opportunity for modernisation’. Planning permission from neighbours can be recognised as ‘potential to extend’. Plus, a good estate agent can find the right buyer no matter the circumstances. To prepare you for the sale, here are seven of the most important things you’ll need to declare to estate agents about your home. 1. What you plan to take and leave When you sell up, you’ll need to complete a ‘fixtures and fittings’ form. This will tell buyers what you plan to take with you when you leave, and what will be left behind for them. It’s important to establish these things as early as you can, as it can be a top question asked at viewings. 2. Renovation work While this is a legal requirement, it’s also a great selling point. If you’ve recently renovated the kitchen, had an extension put in, or remodelled the bathroom, then you’ll need to declare the renovation work to estate agents. 3. Planning permissions in the area Usually, you’ll get a letter from your local council informing you about the planning permissions requested by your neighbours. If you’ve had one of these letters recently, or if you get one during the sale of your home, then it’s important you declare it to your estate agent. 4. Denied planning permissions If you applied for planning permission yourself and it was denied, it’s important that you disclose what you applied for and why it was declined to your estate agent. 5. Disputes with neighbours If you’ve had a long-standing dispute with any of your local neighbours, you need to tell your estate agent about it. They are obligated to inform prospective buyers about the issues you’ve had with the people living around you. While it may seem trivial, if a buyer finds out later that you lied, it can be a very serious issue. 6. Pests or Japanese knotweed Even if it was a problem long ago, your estate agent will need to know whether there was a pest invasion in your home, or if you’ve ever experienced Japanese knotweed in your garden. 7. Green deal loans If you have one of these loans, you’ll definitely know about it. It’s a government loan that allows you to make improvements to your property and repay the costs using your energy bill savings. If you move, these debts get passed on to the new owners, so it’s absolutely essential to declare them to your estate agent. We’re here to help Even though it may sound daunting, with our help, we can make the selling process as easy as possible for you. At James Gorey Estate Agents, we provide expert help, guidance and support every step of the way. To start the conversation, get in touch with us today by calling 020 3633 9866 or via email at info@jamesgorey.com.

Buying and owning a rental property should be treated as a business. Even if you are not planning on having a huge portfolio of property that you rent out, it’s imperative that you cross the t’s and dot the i’s. It may seem complicated at first, but it need not be if you plan out what you need to do, when and how. You should also seek the advice and support of professionals, whether that’s a mortgage broker, an estate or lettings agent, or an accountant. We have four essential top tips for you to think about when it comes to buying a rental property. As ever though, before we go through them, just a reminder that we are here for you should you need to find the right rental property to invest in. Give us a call on 020 3633 9866 or email us at info@jamesgorey.com. So, what are the four steps to buying a rental property 1. Get your ducks in a row! There are many things to think about when buying a property to rent out, but the most obvious is actually having the money to buy one in the first place! This could mean that you already have the means to buy a property, or you’re seeking a buy to let mortgage. Either way, being able to show an estate agent that you are in a position to purchase is essential. Speak with potential lenders and outline what it is you are hoping to achieve and how much you need to borrow. There are forms to fill in about your income and your outgoings before the lender is able to tell you whether or not they are likely to give you a mortgage offer. Remember, an agreement in principle will help you show estate agents and vendors that you are serious about purchasing and have the means to do so.. Top Tip You will need to have information to hand about your financial affairs, so make sure you know all the details. 2. Speak to the right people to get the right advice Buying a property entails a lot of legal work. Unless you are trained in such matters, you will need a solicitor who knows the buy to let property way of doing things. If you’re buying as a limited company this is another difference too, so someone experienced in such matters should be engaged. An accountant who understands your financial position can work out the correct taxes that need to be sorted when the time comes. Buying to let may be a sound financial investment but get the tax side of things wrong and you could be in for an unwanted and hefty bill at some point. Top Tip Do your research and ask people for recommendations. 3. Location, location…yield So, you’ve got your ducks in a row, and you’ve spoken with your mortgage and financial advisers. Now, what about the property? What sort of property do you want? What sort of tenant do you want? Do you want students, an older couple, a famiy or professionals? Will you allow pets? All these factors have to be taken into consideration because it affects where the property is and what type of property it is. Student properties may have a good annual yield, but you may not want the hassle of dealing with students, some of whom may be known for having parties! You may also be set on a certain location, but a good lettings agent will discuss the right areas with you and advise whether or not your investment will be sound. Top Tip Know your goals and what sort of a landlord you will be. Remember, it’s a business so it has to make business sense. 4. To manage, or not to manage? When you have a property you are renting out, there are all sorts of things you have to do. Like maintenance, for example. Sometimes, a tenant will call you to say that the boiler has stopped working or that the fridge is broken. Then, you have gas safety certificates to sort, and now electrical safety certificates too. So, what sort of a landlord will you be? If you don’t really have time or the skills to do the work, then you should consider a managed letting service. By this, we mean an agent will find you a tenant, do the checks, and make sure the deposit is secured where it should be, and then manage the property for a fee. If you employ a lettings agent to manage your property, this could save you a lot of time and take a headache away from you. Top Tip Be honest about how you want to run your property, and make a choice that suits you. The first steps to becoming a landlord can seem tricky but with the right support, you can do it. Need advice? James Gorey Estate Agents are your local property experts for the South East London and North Kent area. Call us on 020 3633 9866 or email info@jamesgorey.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

Many homeowners desire more space for a whole host of reasons, you may have a growing family, a change of personal circumstances, or have simply outgrown your current home. A difficult decision then lays ahead. Do you extend and renovate your current property or sell on and purchase a new home in South East London and North Kent? The Advantages Of Building an Extension 1. Familiarity of Your Neighbourhood The very fact that you are considering extending your current home means that you are probably happy with the local area. It may be that you have friendly neighbours, excellent local amenities, or brilliant nearby schools. 2. Added Value to Your Property A bigger kitchen, extra bedroom or purpose-built office space will add a considerable amount of value to your South East London and North Kent home. When the time eventually comes to sell the property, you will have a significantly larger asking price to look forward to. However, consider the impact of a decreased outdoor space on the value of the home. 3. Personalised Plans One of the greatest advantages of building an extension is that it can be designed and constructed precisely to your needs. Most people will decide to redecorate their entire home after the upheaval of having an extension built, meaning, the entire property will then be finished to your personal tastes. The Disadvantages of Building an Extension 1. Extensions Can Be Expensive The costs of architects, contractors and planning permission can quickly mount. A contingency budget is always recommended for those carrying out an extension to cover any unexpected expenses. 2. Investment is Not Always Linear Extending and renovating your current home will undoubtedly add value to the property. However, this price is not always wholly reflective of the funds and time your family dedicated to the build and finished project.   3. There Are Limitations The size of your outdoor space will place the most obvious restrictions on the scale of your extension. Planning permission may also impose restrictions on your build. Additionally, your neighbours will need to be informed, who have the choice to submit an objection should they feel that it will negatively impact their home. 4. Extensions Can Bring Stress Having a team of builders, electricians, plumbers, and other contractors in your home will undoubtedly bring stress to your family. A two-story extension can turn your whole home on its head and means your family will essentially have to accept living on a building site for a number of months and this is why many home owners opt to move home instead. The Advantages of Moving Home 1. It’s a Fresh Start with New Opportunities Moving to a new location presents a wealth of new opportunities for your family. It gives your children the chance to make new friends and experience new schools and areas. It may also present fresh career prospects for yourself. 2. You’ll be Forced to Declutter Many of us avoid a thorough home declutter for years. However, a move forces it. Most home movers cannot afford to transport years of trinkets and storage items. Therefore, moving home has the unexpected benefit of forcing movers to re-evaluate their possessions. 3. There’s Unlimited Scope Renovating or extending a home has obvious limitations. These might be caused by garden size or the availability of planning permission. Granted, most families will have a budget and may have work limitations, but the scope of moving is otherwise generally vast. Moving allows you to choose a home that is substantially smaller, larger or a completely different style from the one you have currently.   4. It Makes Financial Sense The housing market is currently moving at a rapid pace and is very lucrative. Even those who have done little to no renovation work will notice their home has grown in value. The profits might even be enough to allow you to purchase the home of your dreams. This is especially apparent for those who have owned their home for a substantial amount of time. The Disadvantages Of Moving Home 1. Moving Home Can be Stressful Various surveys have shown that most adults in the UK rank moving home as one of their most stressful life events. The logistics of viewings, packing and relocating the family often fills individuals with anxiety and dread. At James Gorey Estate Agents we aim to make your move as smooth as possible, helping you with every aspect of your move from marketing your home to offer to completion. 2. It’s an Upheaval For Children and Pets Children can often feel the most nervous surrounding a home move. Once they are settled into a school, it can be tricky to take them out of their friendship circles and routine. However, thoroughly researching the local schools and amenities will ensure a smooth transition into the new area. 3. Moving Away from Friends Additionally, if some distance is involved, it can be incredibly difficult for adults to move away from their tight social circles. Especially for those who currently live in the same area where they grew up, the upheaval of leaving friends and family can become overwhelming. On the positive side, you’ll get the opportunity to return for visits and your friends can visit you and experience a new area too!