From assessing your finances to booking a viewing, you have a lot to think about when searching for your dream home. By asking a few key questions, you can be confident you’ve chosen the right property.
Here are five to start with:
1. Has the property been on the market for a long time?
It’s normal for a home to take a few months to sell. After that, you may need to dig a little deeper to discover why the property has been on the market a little longer than usual.
By pressing for more information, you could save yourself any worries in the long run.
2. Have there been any significant alterations?
It’s always a good idea to check what renovations or extensions have taken place over the years. Of course, we recommend having any property professionally surveyed before signing on the dotted line.
3. What is staying with the property?
When you set your heart on a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and forget about the finer details. Do you know what the current owners are leaving behind? How will this affect your moving arrangements and budget? Make sure any remaining items are listed in the contract to avoid any potential delays further down the line.
4. What are the likely running costs?
Pay close attention to hard-to-control factors such as the council tax band. Also, check the average utility costs in the area and think about how you’ll heat your home. Location can be a consideration, especially if you're moving to a more rural area. In this case, factoring in any increased travel costs is a good idea.
5. Are there any issues with the neighbours?
The seller must give a true account of any disputes, from disagreements over boundary lines, to formal noise complaints. While their answer may not stop you from buying, forewarned is forearmed.
Ready to start the search for a new home? We have some fantastic properties available to browse here.
