Viewing a property that you are thinking of buying

Viewing a property can be daunting, but it is important to ask questions. This article offers advice and possible questions that you could ask the seller and also what to look for in the building.

When you are ready to view the property:

Take someone else with you, preferably someone who has some experience or different tastes so that they can spot things you may not
View it during the day when it is easier to spot potential problems
If you are keen on the property view it at another time of the day to give you a better perspective of the area, sunlight, etc
Try not to view too many in one day, you may lose interest or confuse the various properties
Take your time looking around the property
Don't be afraid to ask direct or blunt questions about the property
Don't be pressurised by the seller or the estate agent to make an offer

You may want to ask the seller the following questions:

What is included in the sale - land, garage, furniture, fittings, etc
What is the cost of the Council Tax and the average costs of the other utility bills such as the gas, electric and water bills
Why are the sellers moving
Have there been any problems with the boiler; when was it last serviced by a Gas Safe Engineer
If there is a loft has it been insulated - if so when?
Does the property have cavity wall insulation?
Has the property been altered in any way and if so do they have the relevant documentation - such as planning permission, etc
Does the house have full central heating
Is the property listed or is it in a conservation area/area of interest; this could prevent you making alterations in the future
Have any of the rooms been decorated recently - if so, why
What are the neighbours like - are they noisy, are they friendly
Has there been a dispute that they know of between neighbours in the area
Are there any special access rights for neighbours through your property

Things to look out for inside the property

Does the property need updating - if so, how much will this cost and is it in your budget
Are the rooms big enough for your needs
What are the views like
How is the water heated - is it a combination boiler or via a tank, etc
Is there any sign of subsidence such as cracks in the wall or the doors sticking
Is there a smell of damp, do any of the walls feel damp, is there wall paper peeling, paint bubbling, watermarks or mould
Do the window frames have cracking paint; if the wood is rotten then you would be able to press your finger in to it easily
How much storage space is there; has the loft been boarded for use; is there easy access
Are there enough power points - are they clean, well fitted etc
Does it feel homely

You should also consider the location and whether or not it suits your requirements.

Is it near main roads, pubs, clubs or restaurants as these can be noisy
Nearby railway lines
Overhead flight paths
Community; does it feel friendly and safe
Does the property get enough natural light
Is the property well maintained, are the other properties in the area well maintained
How old is the property
Does the garden suit your requirements; size, maintainability, grass/hard standing, etc
What is public transport like in the local area
Are the local schools good
What are the plans for development for the local area
What are the local amenities like; shops, hospitals, doctors, dentists, leisure facilities, etc
What is the crime level like in the areaContent in here...