Buying a new home is a busy time with a lot to think about. When you’re looking round houses, trying to see if they’re the right size or have the features you’re looking for, it can be easy to miss little things that could lead to problems and expense later down the line.
Here’s a checklist of key things to ask and look out for during your viewing. No house is perfect, but by asking the right questions, you can make an informed decision whether it’s the right house for you.
General
- Is there a garage or off-road parking? If there’s a shared drive, what are the access rights / arrangements with the neighbours? If on-road parking, do you need a permit and how much is this?
- Is there a working burglar alarm and smoke alarms? How often are they serviced / replaced?
- What broadband and TV connections are currently installed?
- What are the Wi-Fi and mobile phone signals like?
- Where is the boiler, how old is it and what's its service history? If it's in a bedroom, is it noisy?
- Is there any scope for extending/renovating/adding value? Has planning permission previously been granted for anything? If the house has previously been extended, can evidence of planning permission / building regulations / sign –off documents be provided for the new owner?
- If there’s a loft - how easy is it to access, is it boarded out / insulated, might there be scope to convert it in the future?
- Is the house in a conservation area or a listed building? (this might affect whether you can make changes)
- What’s the EPC rating? (it may be possible to find this out from the estate agent or local authority if the seller isn’t sure)
Exterior / roof
- What is the general condition and age?
- Are there any cracks?
- If the wall is rendered, is it in good condition?
- Are there any cracked or missing tiles? Have there been any recent repairs? Do the fascias look okay?
- If there’s a chimney, is it straight?
- What condition are the drains and gutters in – do they look clean / functioning in wet weather?
Garden
- How much maintenance is required?
- Is the garden overlooked and from which direction?
- What direction does the garden face? (A South-facing garden will get more sun)
Windows / doors
- Are windows single, double or triple glazed? Are the doors upvc or composite?
- What’s the age of the windows / doors? Are any of them under guarantee and can this be transferred to the new owner? (certain types of windows may have a shorter life-spans, so if they’re a bit older they might need replacing soon)
- Do the locks work? Are there keys? Do they all open and close easily?
- Do the frames appear to be in good condition?
Bathroom / plumbing
- How strong is the water pressure? How long does it take for hot water to come through?
- Do the taps work?
- How many toilets are there? Do they flush properly?
- Is there a bath?
In each room
- Are any of the rooms very overlooked by surrounding neighbours?
- Do light switches work?
- How many plug sockets are there and where abouts are they? Are there any exposed wires?
- What's the decor like (style and condition-wise)?
- Does the flooring look to be in good condition? Are there any rugs/pieces of furniture that could be hiding scratches or marks?
- Are there any signs of damp /mould? (if you can’t see any signs, you might still be able to smell it)
- Are there cracks in the walls / ceiling? How big are they? Is there fresh paintwork that could suggest something is being hidden?
- Is there any storage built in?
- Are any fireplaces functional / safe? Do the chimneys work?
Surrounding area
- What’s the area like at rush hour? (it’s definitely worth doing one or two test runs during rush hour to see for yourself)
- What local shops / amenities are in the area and what times are they open (weekends and weekdays)?
- What are public transport links like?
If you’re viewing a flat
- Is the flat leasehold or freehold? If leasehold, how many years are left on the lease and is there an option to buy the freehold?
- How much is the service charge and what does this cover? Are there any additional contributions to other costs, such as a sinking fund?
- What’s the management company like?
- What condition are the communal areas in?
- Is there any outdoor space, is it shared?
- What services are shared between residents (e.g. drainage / waste disposal?
- How much noise do you hear from neighbours?
Mortgage advice to help you buy your dream home
As part of one of the UK’s largest mortgage brokers, our expert advisers in Grimsby work with a panel of over 90 lenders. They take the time to get to know you and your circumstances before recommending the right way forward for you.
If you’d like to arrange a chat with an adviser to find out what your options are, give us a call on 01472 802317 or send an e mail. Our mortgage advisers offer a free, initial no obligation appointment service.
Say hello to our mortgage advisers in Grimsby