Lancaster, a vibrant city with a diverse property market, offers countless opportunities for homeowners seeking their next home. However, navigating this landscape requires a strategic approach to avoid common pitfalls. If you’re a current Lancaster homeowner weighing up your options for a potential move, this guide will shed light on some key factors to consider. 

The Diverse Landscape of Lancaster Properties 

Lancaster boasts an array of properties varying in age, size, and style, which means there’s something for everyone. Some homebuyers prefer newly built homes for convenience and low maintenance, while others opt for established homes. These older homes offer more space for your money and sometimes renovation potential.  

However, this diversity makes it crucial to look beyond surface-level data to understand a property’s value truly. Other distinctions that impact a property’s value include location, layout, bedrooms, condition, and unique features.  

A prime example is the disparity in price per square foot among properties across the town.  

Currently, the average Lancaster property is on the market at £237 per square foot 

Yet, this only tells half the story.  The problem with averages is they hide the outliers and exceptions. Outliers/exceptions are the statistics and numbers that go far outside the average value of a group of statistics, yet they are where the magic happens.  

Therefore, I suggest we look at the ‘central 80% range’ instead of just the average. This is, in essence, the core 80% cut of the stats, thus excluding the top and bottom 10% of stats. Consequently, looking at the ‘central 80% range’ for Lancaster … 

80% of properties currently for sale in Lancaster are between £167 per square foot to £318 per square foot 

This broad range highlights the importance of not relying solely on square footage averages when valuing your next home. 

Another example is bedrooms. Typically, a 4-bedroom home is expected to be valued higher than a 3-bedroom home, which generally holds true. However, there is some overlap between their price ranges.  

In Lancaster, the average asking price of a 3-bedroom home is £224,000, compared to £358,000 for a 4-bedroom home 

Everything is in order there, as would be expected. Yet when examining the ‘central 80% range’ – the prices for 3-bedroom homes in Lancaster fall between £150,000 and £325,000. Meanwhile, the ‘central 80% range’ for 4-bedroom homes spans from £225,000 to £535,000.  As you can see, there is quite an overlap! 

Finding the Right Balance: Practicality vs. Emotional Connection 

When considering your next Lancaster property, it’s important to strike a balance between practicality and the stuff you can’t measure with a statistic—i.e., the emotional appeal.  

On the practical side, you could create a list of essential features—such as desired neighbourhoods, reception rooms, layout, garden size, and local amenities—to help you prioritise properties that meet your needs. For instance, proximity to good primary schools will be vital if you plan to start a family or already have children. Similarly, desirable features like south-facing patios and gardens, modern kitchens, and open floor plans can significantly impact your enjoyment of the home. 

On the practical side, evaluate the duration of your stay in the new property. Most homeowners of smaller to medium-sized Lancaster homes move every five to six years, so considering the marketability of your home when it’s time to sell is crucial. An area with convenient transport links, a vibrant local community, and proximity to shops or leisure facilities will appeal to future buyers. 

However, your personal ‘emotional connection’ to a property should not be overlooked. The feeling you get when you walk through the door, the view from the kitchen, and the unique atmosphere of each home influence long-term satisfaction and value. The blend of rationality and emotional resonance will ultimately guide you toward a decision that reflects your aspirations. 

Recognising Hidden Costs and Potential Returns 

When moving into a new property, it’s essential to factor in hidden costs like Stamp Duty, legal fees, surveys, and mortgage arrangement fees. You should also be mindful of the maintenance costs, renovation expenses, and unexpected repairs that can arise, especially with older properties. 

Conversely, consider the potential for returns if you invest in upgrades or improvements. A well-thought-out renovation could significantly increase the value and desirability of your home, providing excellent returns if you decide to sell. However, assessing the cost-benefit ratio before embarking on a project is essential, as over-investing might not always yield a profitable return (again, I can advise on that). 

Ready for Your Next Move?  

In conclusion, finding your ideal Lancaster property involves much more than crunching numbers. Your decision should reflect a careful blend of practicality and emotional resonance with the home, all while understanding market conditions. 

If you are considering a move and would like expert advice on your property’s value or the current Lancaster property market, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call me on 01524 843322 or email on [email protected]

I’d be delighted to help you assess your options and guide you toward making an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.

Thanks for reading

Michelle x