Essential Questions to Ask When Viewing a Property

Essential Questions TO ASK WHEN VIEWING A PROPERTY 13 GENERAL QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A VIEWING 1 How old is the property? 2 Why is the property being sold? 3 How long has it been on the market? If long, is there a major issue with the house? If a short time, consider why is the owner selling? 4 How did the agent decide on an asking price? VIEW TODAY 5 What is the minimum price the seller will accept? 6 What offers have they had so far? 7 When do the sellers plan to move out? 8 Is the property being sold as leasehold or freehold? If it's leasehold, how many years are left on the lease? 9 Are you certain that you have gotten an accurate view of the property? Try to visit the property (and the surrounding neighborhood) on multiple occasions as noise and light levels can vary between weekdays/weekends and times of the day. 10 Has any work been done on the property? If yes, what guarantees are there on the work? 11 How much is the Council Tax? 12 Exactly what is included in the sale? Is the garden shed or greenhouse included? Are the fixtures and fittings? 13 Is the property listed? If so, what is its grade and is it in a conservation area? You might encounter limitations on what you can change or install both inside and outside of the property 8 CHECKS FOR ELECTRIC / ENERGY / HEATING Ask to see the property's energy performance certificate. A good rating can substantially lower your monthly bills. When was the fuse-box last checked? Do the light switches work? Are there enough power sockets? Are the phone points in a convenient location? How is the property heated? Is there loft insulation? Is there wall cavity insulation? How much are the current property owners' utility bills? 3 KEY POINTS ABOUT THE EXTERIOR Is the property's exterior brickwork and paint in good condition? Does the building look structurally sound? If you notice any large cracks in the exterior, it would be good to get How old is the roof? repairing either is an a surveyor's opinion Check for cracked bricks peeling paint: expensive undertaking. 9 QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD 1 What services are shared with neighbors? 2 If there are flats above, what are the noise levels like? 3 Can the neighbors see in to any of the rooms? 4 What do you know about the neighborhood? Is it noisy or do you have noisy neighbors or a loud neighborhood pub? 5 What are the neighborhood schools like? 6 What is the area's crime rate like? 7 Isthe property close to subway or other transport? 8 Is the neighborhood primarily residential or commercial? 9 Is there nearby green space and recreation facilities? QUESTIONS ABOUT GARDENING Is there a garden? If so, is it spacious? Private? Easy to maintain? Do you see any rat holes or other evidence of a local rodent problem? 5 MAJOR PLUMBING CONCERNS How long does it take for Can you try the taps in the kitchen and bathroom? water (especially hot water) to come through? Is the water Do the toilets pressure acceptable? flush properly? Do the taps work evenly? Are the hot and cold taps integrated? 10 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INTERIOR 1 Is there any damp that you can see or smell? Is there any condensation or mold? 2 Does the property suffer a pest problem? 3 Is there enough storage space? 4 Have any of the rooms been redecorated recently? If so, why? 5 Can you move the furniture and have a peek under the rugs? 6 Are there any exposed wires? 7 Would any of the rooms require redecoration, new flooring, or repainting? 8 Does your mobile phone have coverage inside the property? 9 Is the property sound-proofed? 10 Are the rooms large enough for your furniture? 2 MAJOR BATHROOM ISSUES (OTHER THAN PLUMBING) Does it have an electric shower? Is there a shaver socket? 5 QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY & SECURITY 1 Are there smoke alarms? 2 Are there good doors and locks? 3 Is there a working alarm system? 4 What state are the windows in? Are there good window locks? Are the windows double glazed? 5 Do the frames look secure? Do they need painting? Do the windows open and close easily? References * www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and-property/guides/how-to-buy-a-house/viewing-a-property---10-top-tips * hoa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/WC-Top-Tips-%E2%80%93-clever-questions-to-ask-the-estate-agent.pdf * www.consumerhelp.ie/buying-a-home-step-by-step-guide#4 * hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/top-tips-things-not-to-forget-when-viewing-a-property