Are you looking to bag a bargain? Whether you’re a first time buyer or a seasoned home-mover, don’t miss the Property Ladder expert’s essential house buying advice.
Check for loose tiles and subsidence, listen as well as look... Stand back and see if there are any slates or tiles missing or slipping from the roof - look at the flashing (the lead/cement fillet that seals where the roof meets any vertical walls). Look for signs of movement - whilst signs of movement may be historic and add to the charm, it is movement that is ongoing that tends to be of more concern. You should be able to line up the vertical and horizontal lines of the exterior, such as window headers, end (flank) walls, pointing lines, and these will tell you if there has been movement. Don't panic though as most of our housing stock was built with relatively inadequate foundations and will have moved around a bit over the years.
Check out the hot water system - if the property has more than one or two bathrooms it should have a more powerful system than a combination boiler - if you are a big shower fan - turn the shower on and check the pressure.
Look around at the neighbours - there may there be specific noise at times of the day, such as that from a school. Most people are not bothered by children’s laughter (and of course if you have children its likely to be in the catchment area!) but if you do mind the noise and the coming and going of cars at drop off and pick up time, then steer clear.
Do you like the house? If you get a good feeling, then it is probably the right one for you - if you get a bad feeling, then walk away.
Get valuations, a homebuyer's report or a full structural survey... Remember that the valuation that you pay your mortgage company to carry out is done for their benefit not yours to check their investment is sound. It is a valuation and not a survey, and if there are any defects that do not materially affect the property's value, they will not tell you about them. If you want a more comprehensive survey you need to pay more and arrange it yourself. A homebuyer's report is the more conclusive, but they are designed as a general rule for conventionally-built properties, built in the last 150 years. There is a great deal of information that they will tell you, but be aware that they will not be looking at every aspect of the property, as they do not take up carpets or carry out investigative work. A full structural survey/building survey is the most extensive of surveys and can be tailor-made to suit you and the property and go into as much depth as you require. They are expensive but can put your mind at rest if you are new to property or are unsure. Be aware that problems are likely to come up, so don't panic, just consider how much they are likely to cost to overcome.
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