Buying Tips
The neighbourhood
Check out the neighbourhood. Are there shops and public transport facilities within easy walking distance?
Visit the area at different times of the day to assess the varying levels of noise and traffic.
Are the neighbouring houses are in a poor state of repair, they could supress the value of yours if they are not looked after.
Inside the property
Look out for signs of subsidence or house movement such as cracking on the walls and doors that do not close properly (a tip is to close the door when you are in the room and check the alignment of the door against the top of the door frame).
Does the property smell musty? This can be a sign of damp or dry rot. Feel plastered walls for moisture (this could also be caused by condensation which can also cause problems).
Be wary of new decoration. It could conceal damp, cracks or other problems.
Watch out for window frames with cracking paint, this can indicate damp. If you can press your finger easily into the wood, the frame is rotten, and
you can expect to see other signs of rot such as black mould.
Outside the property
Are there any roof tiles missing? If there are look for signs of damp inside the property.
Look out for signs of subsidence/movement such as a bent chimney stack, an uneven roofline or cracking on the walls. If there are any trees nearby the roots could undermine the property’s foundations.
Is the damp-proof course above the soil height? If not problems may occur such as damp or dry rot.
General conditions
Take someone with you when you view the property they may notice things that you miss.
Try to view the property twice at different times of day.
Are any of the rooms an unusual shape that would be difficult to fit furniture/kitchen appliances into? Are there sufficient power points?
Are carpets, curtains and/or any electrical appliances included in the price?
Does the bathroom/toilet have sufficient ventilation? (this is not just to get rid of lingering smells, it is also for damp/condensation prevention).
Don’t be prejudiced by the vendor’s choice of decoration. Hideous wallpaper and paint colour can be put right relatively easily and cheaply.
State of repair
Inspect plug sockets to gauge the age of the property’s electrics (re-wiring a property can be expensive).
View the loft/attic to see if the roof is insulated and for any slipped missing tiles that are not visible from outside. If you turn off the light, you shouldn’t be able to see daylight. Check the timbers for signs of damp, woodworm or vermin.
How old is the piping? Lead piping will need to be replaced. Are the pipes and the boiler lagged?
Is there wall-cavity insulation? In houses built prior to the 1970's there probably isn't.
How long has the central heating system been installed? Is it electric or gas-powered? Ask to see one of the vendor’s winter heating bills.
A Word of Caution
You may feel pressured by some estate agents to see their mortgage advisor, ask if they offer a selction from the whole of market or are tied or only have a panel of lenders to choose from. If they do not offer from the whole of market, this may result in costing you more money at the end of the day by them not being able to get you the best mortgage available for your circumstances. If you click on the mortgages link in the left hand column on any page in this site you can submit your details to an independent mortgage broker who has access to the whole of market.
Choosing a Solicitor
It is not necessary these days to have a solicitor to do your conveyancing that is local to you. The advent of the internet and e-mail means that your conveyancer can be based anywhere in the UK with all dealings being done via the post, telephone, e-mail and SMS. The benefit to you the client is better value for money. If you would like a solicitor to do your conveyancing for you ckick on the conveyancing link from any page on this website.
| 
