For some it is about being close to the excitement and action of city life, for others finding a quiet home is their key priority.

If you are house hunting, it can be difficult to know (beyond the obvious) what to look out for. What are the signs to be aware of if tranquility is one of your most important factors?

And what can you do to make your home quieter?

1. Choose your location carefully

The location has a huge impact on how quiet your home will be. Look for things like bus routes and bus stops, and obviously train lines. These areas are always bubbling, so tranquility is usually a luxury in such areas.

2. Be observant

Some of the factors which affect noise levels will be evident if you know what to look for. Speed bumps slow traffic, but they also increase noise.

Another thing to investigate is whether there are restrictions on heavy goods vehicles on your street. Of course, pubs, bars and nightclubs should be considered. There may be some overspill from these nightspots even if they are not right next to or below your property.

3. Visit at different times of the day

Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, so it pays to visit several times. Some streets are very busy during the day, but quiet at night and weekends. Buildings such as schools which can generate noise during the day are not a disadvantage if you work away from home during the day.

4. Try the top floor

In apartments, the top floor is usually a safe bet because no one lives on the level above. It is also further away from the entrance hall, which can bring a bit more noise. It will also remove you from street level sounds such as traffic.

5. Ask your agent

If you want to know more about any sound insulation which has already been installed, you can ask your agent to find this. Period buildings converted a long time ago would have been subject to few regulations but in recent years, there has been a lot of safeguarding for things like fireproofing and acoustics.

Materials such as rubber matting between floors can mitigate noise from other parts of the building.

6. Find out about the neighbours

Vendors are legally bound to inform you if they have had any serious disputes with their neighbours. What constitutes a dispute is open to interpretation but in general terms, if you’ve had to contact a neighbour in writing, or complain to the council or another authority about them, then the dispute will have to be declared.

7. Watch out for wood

Some leases will stipulate that you must have carpeted rather than wooden floors, especially in a converted property which is now being sold as separate flats.

A lot of people like wooden floors or tiles nowadays. Avoid excessive noise by putting soundproofing underneath the wood.

8. Make modifications

Once you have bought a property, double glazing, sound insulation and even soft furnishings can all help absorb unwanted sound. Double or triple glazing can be added inside the building if necessary if you are not allowed to make external modifications. Thicker curtains instead of blinds, carpets and soft furnishings all absorb noise.

9. Prepare for surprises

Even in isolated or previously peaceful locations, things can change. Look out for disused premises which may turn into noisy development sites in the future but bear in mind changes could come at any time, and noise can be unpredictable.

SOURCE: On the market.com