When you know how much you can afford you can then decide on location, how much space you need and can afford, what kind of layout will work for you and any other specifics relevant to your needs. Make a list of what’s important, what’s nice to have and start from there. If you’re buying to let, choose an area that has a stable rental market and has good access to amenities, transport etc. Make a list of areas, postcodes or even streets that appeal to you and make the time to look around and research the area to familiarise yourself with what it’s like and what’s going on. Ask yourself all the relevant questions – do you need schools nearby, shops, nightlife, buses, tubes or trains, do you need parking, do you travel by car a lot and need easy motorway access? Work out what’s most important for you and go from there.