NINE out of 10 househunters now start their search for a new home online by researching the area they want to live in, rather than first visiting estate agents or housing developments, according to housebuilder Barratt.

As a result, the company is launching an informative online service which promotes the benefits of the locations where it is building, together with a fresh approach to choosing a new home and a helpful mortgage calculator.

Homebuyers thinking of moving to Southampton, for example, can find out about the features, amenities and attractions of the area, including up-to-date information about the performance and quality of local schools – particularly useful for families looking to provide their children with the best possible education.

They will be able to get the lowdown on shopping and where to spend their leisure time, as well as find out more about community activities involving Barratt.

The new service also includes a mortgage calculator to indicate monthly payments on a particular home. This is now one of the most widely searched online services by homebuyers wanting to know what they can afford. There is also a step-by-step guide for would-be buy to let investors.

Barratt sales director Sarah Eales, said: “Home movers will be able to find everything they want using this new service. We’ll have lots of information about the area, but customers will also be able to think through exactly what their requirements are and then match them against what’s on offer.

“Southampton is a great place to live and we want to promote that as well as the benefits of buying a new home from us.

“Whether you are a first-time buyer, or moving for the second or third time, house hunting is a big deal for customers – this new service makes it as easy as possible to match what people want with what’s on offer.”

The new service can be found at www.barratthomes.co.uk