Words: Oliver Jarvis
The stress of buying or renting a new home can sometimes put people off ever grabbing the golden ticket and relocating… whether your concern is ‘Where’s the nearest tube station?’, ‘What’s the crime rate?’ or ‘Will I be able to stream Madmen on my laptop?’, someone out there has got the answer. It’s just finding that person.
Great news gentlemen! Luckily the new technological age means information from all over the world can be transmitted to your iPhone in the form of an app, and that’s where we come in. To assist you on your journey to purchasing or renting a new property, we bring you the essential apps to make the process a hell of a lot easier.
KIRSTIE AND PHIL’S HOUSE HUNTER
Everyone’s favourite Tuesday daytime television Estate Agents are back, with an app. House Hunter is the foolproof guide to finding the home of your dreams. Wide-smiled Kirstie and Phil are with you every step of the way, guiding you on everything from searches and viewings to making an offer. Fit with full video guides and audio tips on; finance, mortgages, dealing with agents and more. A lovely little feature is the budget calculator to work out how much you can spend on your new home. Kirstie and Phil are eager to help you, a little too eager.
To download click here – £2.99
MOUSEPRICE
Want to stay informed for how much other properties in the area are selling for? Then Mouseprice is essential. Offering a full sales history on any property, you’ll be the man on the street who’s in the know.
CRIME MAP OF ENGLAND AND WALES
If your concern is for safety then the free app lets you check out any offences of the area. For knowing everything about the neighbourhood from criminal damage to violent crime, this app will assist you in selecting the safest place for you, or for just being nosy.
To download click here – free
ZOOPLA/RIGHTMOVE
We’ve included both apps in our pick because, well, they’re both essential for every property buyer; offering comprehensive listings, information on the local area and property history. They’re effectively the updated chapters of the Domesday book.
To download click here – free
HOME 3D
If you’re concerned about how on earth you’re going to style your new home, then Home 3D holds the answers. The app allows you to design the interior of your prospective home safe in the knowledge that you’re using the exact 3D blueprints and house dimensions. Redesigning has never been so easy.
To download click here – free
REMODELISTA
Deemed as the source book for interior design, Remodelista contains images and ideas that will revolutionise the way you approach re-crafting your new home. With a wealth of devoted followers, including Gwyneth Paltrow, who place the app as a fundamental reference guide for inspiration when in the mood for redecorating.
To download click here – £2.29
SUN SEEKER
Wanting a back garden where you can gain a tan like Tom Hanks in Castaway? Sun Seeker will show you which way your prospective property faces, if the garden will be in the suns rays, and at what time of the day. You’ll no longer need that getaway to Monaco – money saved.
To download click here – £7.99
CELL PHONE COVERAGE MAP
If you’re moving from the city to the countryside for the first time then this app is vital; allowing you to sniff out the reception strength of your prospective home. It could be the app that saves you years of broken up voice calls and waiting on hours for texts to send.
To download click here – free
AROUND ME
Concerned about how far the nearest tube, petrol station or Chinese takeaway is to your home? Around Me has all the information you require; with a GPS map which allows you to measure distance from your home to various attractions and services. It’s the app you need to get to know the area before you even live there.
To download click here – free
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