When deciding on the best property for you, consider this…
Before putting in an offer, you should consult this list to see if the property is right for you. You should also pose as many questions as possible to the seller – and get important answers in writing.
Ask these questions during your viewing:
- How many viewings has it had?
- How many offers has it had?
- How long has it been on the market?
- Have there been any neighbour disputes?
- Why are the sellers moving – are they sure they want to sell now?
- What renovations have been done?
- If a unit etc., how much are the weekly charges i.e. body corporate, sinking fund?
- Who lives upstairs/downstairs/next door?
- How long has the seller lived there?
- What’s included in the sale? White goods? Curtains? Furniture?
- Are there any parking issues?
- If there’s a real fire place, is it safe to use?
- Have there been any foundation settling problems?
Building a Property Profile
Have at least three showings at different times of the day to get an idea of what the property and neighbourhood are like. Daylight makes spotting flaws easier, but the pounding music which will make your life hell may not begin until the neighbours get back from work. When you look through the property keep an eye out for small problems that could become big problems. If you find any particular issues it does not have to be a deal breaker, however, could be used to negotiate a better price.
Keep an eye out for any of the following:
- Spot damp: Case the joint for wet spots, mould, peeling wallpaper and condensation on windows. Check inside cupboards too. Use your nose – does it smell musty?
- Look up at ceilings: Look for cracks, brown stains, slow drips and problem leaks.
- Open doors/ windows: Also shut every door behind you as you’re being shown around to make sure they all work. Open cupboards and drawers – don’t be shy, remember, it’s a big investment.
- Flick switches: Turn lights on and off, especially those with older switches. Also, check the wiring’s age, as replacing wiring is expensive and no one will notice all of the money you spent.
- Count power points: Make a floorplan and mark out power point locations in each room, testing sockets too.
- Inspect the plumbing: Flush toilets and turn taps on. Check cupboards underneath sinks to ensure they are dry. Check water pressure and that it gets hot – fast.
- Feel the heat: Ask the seller to switch on the central heating/aircon – is it noisy, does it do what it’s supposed to?
- Lift mats and rugs: Check for stains and other gross things lurking underneath.
- Turn on your phone: Check for a signal to confirm it’s not a mobile/wireless dead zone.
- Audit the loft: Inspecting the loft in daylight is a great way to gauge the state of the property’s woodwork. Check timbers for rot, as well as cracks or holes.
- Observe outside walls: Check for wall cracks, mould and rotten woodwork. If the house has just been rendered ask why – get a statement confirming there were no major cracks covered in the brickwork.
- Hit the roof: Take binoculars and check for missing/slipped tiles. Eye up the gutters and woodwork for potential problems. If possible, go on a rainy day, to see if the gutters leak.
- Avoid kitchen nightmares: In the kitchen, pretend you are preparing a dinner. Is there enough room?
- Take a compass: Check if estate agents’ promises of a sunny morning garden are true.
- Pry next door: If buying a flat or terrace, alarm bells should ring if neighbours’ properties are rundown. Their problems can quickly become your problems.