You have chosen where you would like to live after considering key aspects such as school catchment area, amenities and transport links. Now it’s time to choose which properties are worth a viewing and make the right decision about which is the property for you.
Your house purchase is, most probably, the largest purchase you’ll ever make so it’s important to gather as much information as possible. Here is a checklist of tips to help you choose your potential new home.
1. The home report - always a good place to start as forewarned is forearmed! This will give you a good first indication as to the condition of the property before viewing.
2. Arrange for viewings at times when neighbours are likely to be at home such as evenings and weekends, to get an idea of parking or noise issues.
3. On arriving, look at the outside of the property, at the walls, doors and windows. You don’t have to be a surveyor to spot tell-tale signs of damp if there are dark patches on walls or notice slates missing from roofs. These could suggest problems straight away and significant money that would need to be spent.
4. On entering the property, check doors and windows are secure, cracks on walls and ceiling; are they superficial and easily repaired or more worrying?
5. Check kitchens and bathrooms, especially older styles, are they still in working order? Run the taps to check water pressure and check how old the boiler is.
6. How does the property feel size-wise? Could alterations or extensions be done, if required?
7. Try not to focus on cosmetic decoration as this can always be changed to suit your own personal taste. However, do look out for the number and condition of power points as rewiring can also be expensive.
8. Check gardens, fences, sheds and garages to see if they are in need of any substantial repairs.
9. Ask the owner or representative relevant questions such as; Ease of access and parking? Shared areas? Management fees if applicable? The age of the roof as replacements or even repairs are expensive!
10. This is your potential new home and a major investment, give careful consideration to all your questions, have they been answered positively? Is it affordable?
If the property ticks all the boxes on your list and you feel like you could make it your home, the next step is to always have a SECOND VIEWING!
If it still all adds up then… contact your solicitor to note your interest or make an offer as soon as you can!