Low crime a factor in house choice, says expert

Many people actively look to pick a place to live that has a low crime rate, it has been stated.

Miles Shipside, director of property website Rightmove, said that this was one of the major issues many seeking a home looked at, with benefits such as lower house insurance premiums resulting from dwelling in such locations.

He stated: "Crime is an important factor. Areas with a neighbourhood watch and areas with a better track record on crime are also one of the key factors [that people look for]."

Mr Shipside also listed a "sense of community", proximity to family and friends, the availability of local schools and nearness to public transport facilities as being important considerations.

All these may be factors which those looking to create their own homes take into account when looking for a plot of land for the project.

The issue of community was revealed to be sufficiently important for 54 per cent of first-time buyers surveyed by Yorkshire Bank last month to say they would pay more for a home in such an area.


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