Property viewing advice
Thinking of buying a house? Whether this is your first time or not, take a look at the following advice for how to go about viewing a property. It could save you a lot of trouble.
Research the area to check it’s somewhere you would like to live. Drive around it at the very least. Take a walk in the neighbourhood if possible, looking at shops and other local amenities and sensing the atmosphere. Does it feel safe and friendly? Nearby pubs and clubs might be handy, but can also be noisy at night. Also, listen out for noise from railways or flight paths. Buy a few local papers; this can give you an idea of the type of community you would be moving into.
Don’t overload yourself with too many property viewings at once. A couple of properties a day is good, because you can make comparisons. More than that, and you might start to get confused…
Don’t view alone. Two heads are better than one, and someone else will notice things you miss. See the property in daylight, when you can check the views!
Ask yourself the following questions:
Do the proportions of the rooms suit your lifestyle?
Does it and the garden get plenty of sunlight?
Do you like the views?
Are there any cracks in the wall which might indicate subsidence?
Are there any signs of damp or leaks?
What state are the window frames in?
Is the property well looked after?
Do neighbouring properties look cared for?
How much will renovations cost?
Ask the owner the following questions:
Is the building listed or in a conservation area where planning permission for alterations or developments might be restricted?
What Council Tax band is the property in, and what are the average heating bills?
What land, outbuildings and fittings are included in the sale?
Why is the property being sold?
How old are the plumbing, electrics and heating? Have there been any problems with any of them?
Is the loft insulated? When was this carried out?
What other insulation does the building have?
Are planning permission documents for any previous alterations available for inspection?
Has there ever been any dispute with the neighbours? Has this been resolved?
What are the neighbours like? Are they noisy?
What is the level of crime in the area?
If you like a property, take a second look. Arrange this for a different time of day, so you can pick up on how different light affects the feel of the rooms, and maybe different external noise levels. Take your time when looking round the house. It’s your money – and a lot of it – so don’t be pressurized into making a decision.
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