Moving home to be in a better school catchment area? You are not alone! Recent figures suggest that about 25% of house moves are to enable children to attend Good and Outstanding rated Ofsted schools.

House prices in these areas are on the increase, so you need to be ready to take action quickly. Our “Be Mortgage Ready?” article will help you make a start, but it is important that you have started the house moving process before the school application deadline dates.

The better the school, the higher the premium you will be paying. Homes in school areas with an Outstanding rating can see premiums on prices of up to 25%. This could mean that you have to downsize to be able to meet your budget. It could be a balancing act between your children’s schooling and space at home.

Your local education authority can provide a list of school’s ratings in your area, whilst websites like Right Move and Zoopla will enable you to search for homes by post cade areas.

Check with your local authority about the timings for applications. Check with the school about availability of places should you move into the area. It would be expensive to move and then find the school is oversubscribed.  You should find that schools/authorities will accept a solicitor’s letter outlining your house purchase should you not actually have moved into the catchment area.

If you’d like to speak to a mortgage adviser about moving home, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.