If you've decided to look for a house, then you may want to consider a few factors to make sure you choose the right one for you. Houses are ideal for people who envision themselves in a beautiful property with plenty of outdoor space. But don't make any home purchases without considering these factors first:

What Is the Council Rate Amount?

When you buy a house, you may have to pay council tax depending on the location.  Most councils in Australia collect these rates from residential properties for local infrastructure development and maintenance. While each council will have their own way to calculate rates, they usually consider the needs of the community and your property value. Before you buy a property, make sure you check this with your local council so there are no surprises later. Keep in mind that these council rates are not included in the value of the houses for sale, so you will need to budget for this as an extra cost based on where you buy.

Does the House Come with Facilities You Need?

Some facilities may be more important to you than others so you'll want to make sure that anything you look at meets your specific needs. For example, if you don't own a car and don't intend to buy one then maybe a home with a garage is not as important to you. But in this instance, you'll want to make sure you're close to public transport. If you like to spend a lot of time swimming, then you may want to consider a home with a pool. Once you decide the facilities important to you, then you can start narrowing down your choices.

Are You Happy with the Security in the Neighbourhood?   

Security is an important factor when you buy a house so you may want to start looking at this as a serious consideration. Check the crime profile of the neighbourhood to see if there are any major concerns. While every neighbourhood may have a few rough elements, if you notice a disturbing pattern of break-ins and thefts, then you may want to reconsider that particular location for your next home. Some houses may be up for sale with in-built security systems as part of the sales contract. This may help you feel more secure in your choice to buy there. Whatever your situation, consider neighbourhood security as an important part of your purchase.

Before you look at houses for sale, take the time to consider these important factors so you take a step in the right direction.