It can be tricky to know what to ask when you’re viewing a property, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer looking to get on the property ladder. to help with this, Oren Kander, Senior Valuer at Gaffsy has shared his insight and looked at everything you should ask when viewing a property to build up the most accurate picture of your potential future home.
How long has the property been on the market for?
It’s important to get an idea of how long the property has been on the market. If it’s been on the market for some time, this could indicate that others are noticing problems with the property. If these problems are something you are able to tackle, the lack of interest from others can provide you with a justification for reducing your offer.
How long have the current owners been occupying the property?
It’s a wise idea to find out how long the current owners have been occupying the property. If the owners are looking to sell up after not residing in the property for very long, then this could indicate potential issues with the property, neighbours or the surrounding area.
Is the property in a chain?
Knowing whether the property is in a chain will give you a clearer picture of how quickly the owners will be able to vacate the property and therefore how quickly you can move in. You should also be mindful that property purchases in a chain have a higher chance of falling through.
Is the property freehold or leasehold?
Find out whether the property is freehold or leasehold, as this should be a major consideration. A freehold property entitles you to the property, as well as the land that it sits on, whereas a leasehold property means that although you own the property, you will not own the land it sits on. This means that you could incur ground rent and service charges, as well as the inability to make particular types of renovations.
What’s included in the sale of the property?
Be clear on what is included in the sale of the property: considerations include whether it is to be sold in a furnished or unfurnished condition, whether white goods will be included in the sale, and whether any land or parking space is included in the purchase price.
Has the property received any offers yet?
Knowing the property has not had any offers yet, will provide you with the means of securing a better deal.
Has the listed price of the property changed?
It’s good to know whether the asking price of the property has changed to gauge what offer to put in. For instance, if the asking price has recently been reduced, then the seller may not appreciate an offer much lower than this, having just been talked into a reduction by their agent.
What are the neighbours like?
If the owner of the property has had any disputes with the neighbours, the seller is legally obligated to inform you of this, either directly or through the estate agents.
What is the surrounding area like?
Whilst you can carry out your own research regarding the area's local amenities, such as schools and parks, it’s useful to see if the property owner has any further insights, which may help to inform your decision. For instance, although there may be a train station within close proximity to your home, as well as bus routes, it could be handy to know if these services are reliable in this location.
Are there any developments planned close by?
It’s good to be in the know about any planned developments near the property as this could affect your decision to purchase.
What work has been carried out on the property?
Find out what work has been carried out on the property, such as extensions, loft conversions or the addition of a conservatory. Request to see tradesperson receipts, including guarantees, as well as the planning permission submitted to carry out the respective works. It’s crucial that you’re aware of any illegal modifications to the property as rectifying this, by restoring the property to its original state, will come at a cost.
Is the garden overlooked by neighbours and anything else to note?
Gain as much information as you can regarding the property’s garden. The key things to note are how large the plot of land is, which way the garden faces and if the garden is overlooked by neighbours. Also, make a note of whether there are any unclear boundaries and if there are any trees or vegetation which could cause structural issues to the property.
What parking is available?
If you’re a car owner, it’s crucial to find out what parking is available to you. Whilst some properties may have a garage included in the sale of the property, or a dedicated parking space, it may be the case that street parking is the only option. In this scenario, you will need to find out if a permit is required and factor this into your considerations, alongside the availability of spaces within close proximity to your property.
What is the council tax band of the property and what are the average utility bill costs?
Find out what council tax band the property falls under, in addition to the average cost of utilities, so you can account for these expenses.
What is the internet connection and access like?
It’s important to know what the internet connection is like in the property to see if it meets your needs. This could potentially be an issue if you’re looking to move into a rural area and rely on access to the fastest broadband connection.
Can you check the water pressure in the property?
Ask if you are able to check the water pressure in the property as low water pressure can be inconvenient, affecting routine tasks such as cooking and cleaning, as well as comfort levels when it comes to things like washing.
Is the Energy Performance Certificate available to view?
As a prospective buyer, it is a legal requirement that you have access to view the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This will give you an idea of the property’s energy efficiency and a guideline for associated costs. EPCs for most properties can be found here.
How old is the boiler?
Find out how old the boiler is and when it was last serviced. This way you will know whether it will need replacing in the short term.
How old is the roof and what condition is it in?
Be sure to inquire about the age of the roof and any issues that may be causing water damage. Fixing or replacing a roof can come at a significant cost so it’s wise to be aware of any cause for concerns ahead of time.
Has the property had any issues with pests or mould?
It’s important to find out whether the property has had any problems with pests or mould, paying particular attention to any preventative measures which are still in place. Treating and preventing mould and pest problems can come at a cost, so it’s worth considering a professional inspection to ensure you’re informed before making the purchase.
What sound insulation does the property have?
Ask about what steps have been taken to ensure adequate sound insulation, as this can have the potential to cause disputes with neighbours. Similarly, it’s good to know how insulated the property is from noise, such as traffic outside, through things such as double or triple-glazed windows.
Does the house have any electrical problems?
Find out whether the house has any electrical problems. This could include things such as exposed wires, light switches that aren’t working properly, and whether there are enough plug sockets situated in convenient places.
Is the property listed?
If the property is listed, it’s useful to have a conversation about what restrictions are in place with regard to modifications or renovations. This is particularly important if you’re planning on making alterations so that you can avoid any legal repercussions.
Does the property have a history of flooding?
If the property is located near a river, it’s important to find out whether the property has flooded before, and if appropriate measures are in place to reduce the flood risk.
Would you be able to view the property again?
There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a property so do not hesitate to ask to view the property for a second time. It can really help you to view the property through a different lens. On the second viewing, you could spend more time thinking about the practicalities of living in the space, such as whether there is enough storage space for your belongings or if there is enough natural light for your preferences.
