Buying a property is often the largest investment you will make in your lifetime. It is important to ease yourself into the process by planning in advance when viewing potential homes. Below we discuss some key factors to consider when searching for properties to help you get the most out of your viewing.
Before the viewing
Try to research as much as possible beforehand. Take advantage of portals such as Zoopla, where you can compare a property’s price with previously sold prices in the area. You can also check current crime rates using Police UK. This site allows you to input a postcode and discover a range of statics for the area, including top-reported crimes.
It is often recommended that you visit the local area of a potential home during different times to experience the neighbourhood firsthand. If this is not possible for you, use Google Maps to map out where the amenities are and pinpoint any important locations to measure your commute. If you have children or are planning to in the near future, Locrating is a great tool to assess local schools. You can access information on the school’s standards, as well as the demographics and even a student happiness rating.
Inside the property
Watch out for any signs of damp, rot or mould. You may notice an odour, or see flaky plaster and watermarked walls. Make sure you also take note of the size of the property. Is there enough storage throughout the home? Will your existing furniture fit, or will you need to buy brand-new items? Spend your time deciding whether the property may require any renovations or repairs once you move in to elevate it to your standard.
Outside the property
Consider which way the house faces. If you love lying in the sun during the summer months, you are ideally looking for a south-facing garden. Can you see any signs of subsidence? This is the gradual caving in of an area of land and may sometimes be visible in spots with large trees nearby. Subsidence is very costly to buyers as it can eventually cause foundations to collapse after the house structure becomes weakened. Finally, take a look at the roof for any signs of poor condition. This may be in the form of cracked, missing or loose tiles. On average, a roof needs replacing every 15-20 years and this can often be a very expensive and time-consuming process.
Questions for your Estate Agent
It is a good idea to find out what the seller plans to include in the sale. Will they be leaving behind any furniture, appliances or fixings? Ask about the neighbours, how much they interacted with the seller and whether they got on. It is also useful to find out how long they have lived in the property, as a very short period with no reason for the sudden move could activate some alarm bells. Finally, discuss with your Estate Agent whether they are aware of any plans for the local area that may affect you if you were the purchase the property.
Considering a move? We can help! Get in touch with one of our expert team members today on 01638 560 221.
