Renting vs. Buying

The age-old debate of whether you should rent or buy a property never ceases to drum up a lot of confusion! While houses to rent in Northampton are easy to find, many people feel that renting a house as opposed to buying is like throwing money away every month. However, in the current economical climate it may be a good option, especially for first time buyers as loan rates on mortgages are higher than they were a few years ago after the recession dragged house prices out of reach for many.

If you have money to buy a home then there are some great properties available to buy in 2011 and you should speak to estate agents in Northampton to find out what you are likely to get for your money in the area. Compare the overall cost of renting as opposed to buying by looking ahead five years and remembering that with houses to rent in Northampton, just as with any major city or town, prices will rise the closer to the centre you get.

Facts and Figures

The number of houses sold between January 2010 and January 2011 is up by 5.6% with the average prices for a home being the following as of January 2011:

• Detached property: £280,000

• Semi detached property: £151,000

• Terraced property: £129,000

• Flat: £133,000

The only property type to see an increase over the 12 month period are flats with prices 25% higher than last year. Detached houses are down by 6%, semi detached down by 2% and terraced houses down by 7%.

Compare these figures to houses to rent in Northampton by looking at the following average rental prices (per month):

• Studio flat: £392.

• 1-bed flat: £457.

• 2-bed flat: £572.

• 3-bed flat: £654.

• 2-bed house: £565.

• 3-bed house: £660.

• 4-bed house: £1,002.

Whether you choose to rent or buy in the area your decision will likely be largely determined by the rates you are quoted from your mortgage company.

Why Choose Northampton?

There are many reasons to get in touch with estate agents in Northampton in order to find a house in the area and here are some of the top reasons why Northampton is a great place to live:

• The city centre is bustling with a variety of shops and local businesses including supermarkets and banks.

• Large cities and towns can be found just a short distance away, including Bedford, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Luton.

• There are many job opportunities in the area.

• London is easy to commute to.

• Northampton is home to many top schools including the aptly named Northampton School for Boys and the Northampton School for Girls.

• The local university boasts around 10,000 students.

• The local transport systems are comprehensive offering trains and buses and the road networks are extensive with the M1 a few miles from the heart of Northampton.

• There are countless green spaces in the region, ideal for families and retirees to explore.

• Billing Aquadrome is one of the largest entertainment venues in the area.

Northampton is an ideal place to live for families due to the range of entertainment offerings in the area, from natural landscapes and parks through to good schools for all ages. Retired couples will benefit from the amount of useful amenities available and younger people looking for jobs will have plenty to choose from. With London and Birmingham within easy commutable distance, Northampton appeals to people from all walks of life.

If you want to learn more about houses to rent as well as buy then you should get in contact with estate agents in Northampton and ask to see their portfolio of properties.