Do some research:

• Read newspapers and magazines.
• Look in estate agents' windows.
• Learn how much and how fast properties are selling.
• Spot good deals and up-and-coming areas.
• Don't rely only on what agents tell you.

There are independant property database, market surveys such as Hometrack, which basically tell you the sale results of many estate agents in all the country or which areas people want to relocate to.

Use the Internet:

• Check the school ratings at the Department for Educational Skills (DfES).
• Check environmental issues with Homecheck.
• Research on the region and future develloment projects via tourist information centres, local councils and local newspapers.
• Profile the neighbourhood with the Up My Street website (crime rate, local events, average income...).

More:

Speak with local groups such as Neighbourhood Watch or Round Table to find out any issues you were not told about.

Ask your sollicitor to check if any complaints have been registered concerning noisy neighboors.