When you’re viewing properties to buy you must ask thorough questions to make sure it’s the right property for you.
However, it’s easy to get swept up with first impressions of a house! That’s why we’ve put together this essential list of questions to ask before you buy a house, so you won’t forget any of the important details.
Ask these questions at least twice
Both the estate agent and vendor want to sell the property, so they’re going to put it in a good light. Make sure you ask these questions of at least the vendor and estate agent to compare answers.
If you can, ask the neighbours what they know about the property and area too: this gives you a more rounded and unbiased opinion.
Your solicitor will also make sure the technical questions, such as any flood risks or covenants, are answered as part of their searches.
What's the area like?
This is an essential question to ask locals and neighbours as well as the vendors. Ask about the local schools, if you have children, as well as play areas or local amenities.
Find out if there have been any particularly difficult neighbours, too. You can also check out the crime rate around your postcode to find out if your dream property is in a safe area.
What is the parking situation?
Parking is the most common gripe between neighbours, especially when shared driveways or on-street parking is involved.
Find out if you have dedicated parking spaces or a garage. If not, ask about the costs of on-street parking permits and how easy people find it to park near their home. It seems a small thing to ask about but knowing you can park easily will give you peace of mind.
Has the property been renovated?
Find out if the property has had any major works completed and when they occurred. Recent plumbing or electrical work, or the addition of extensions, kitchen renovations, or new windows and doors all mean you won’t need to work on these improvements yourself.
Your solicitor will then be aware they need to obtain any relevant building or FENSA certificates if renovations have been completed.
Is it a listed property?
Listed and graded buildings are beautiful and historical properties – but come with some restrictions.
Depending on the grade of the building, you may not be able to make any renovations or major repair works without significant paperwork and planning applications first. This can add a lot of time and money to relatively simple works.
When was the boiler installed?
There’s nothing worse than moving in and finding out the boiler is broken. Hot water and central heating are essential home comforts!
Find out when the boiler was installed and if it has been regularly serviced. A boiler older than ten years is likely to need replacing soon, so be sure to factor in the cost into your moving budget if the boiler is reaching (or beyond) this age.
What's the monthly running cost?
Ask about the council tax, typical utility bills, and any maintenance fees involved in running the property. Make sure you factor in your other costs, such as mortgage repayments and food expenses, to find out if you can realistically afford to maintain the house.
What fixtures and fittings are included in the sale?
Find out if any built-in appliances, furniture, or even decorative curtain rails are included in the sale price. If they aren’t, you’ll need to add a buffer into your moving budget to pay for new appliances.
Many vendors are willing to negotiate on built-in appliances and some freestanding ones, as it saves them removal costs. If the fixtures and fittings aren’t included, but you’d like them, speak to your solicitor about negotiating on this.
Do you know of any nearby planning applications?
Ask if there are any local sites with planning application outstanding or recently granted. You might love the across-the-fields view now but if it’s been sold as a property development then you’ll lose that view!
As well as asking the estate agent, vendor, and neighbours about planning applications, research them on the local council’s planning portal. This will provide you with a clear overview of any planned or potential works that could affect your enjoyment of the property.
Has the area ever flooded?
You’ll need to conduct a flood search as part of your due diligence when buying the property, but it’s always worth asking the vendor or neighbours as well.
They’ll be able to tell you whether the area has flooded, the severity, and how it affected local residents. They may also have information regarding flood defences that have been put in place since the last flood – something not all flood reports will show.
Why is the vendor moving?
The estate agent or vendor themselves should have a suitable answer ready for this. If they seem vague about it then try asking further questions: it could indicate there is something wrong with the property such as difficult neighbours that they don’t want to mention.
Is the property part of a chain?
If the property is part of a chain you’ll need to plan around other people’s moving dates and requirements, too. A chain of more than a couple of houses can cause delays or difficulties.
It’s not often possible to avoid any chain – usually only seen between a first-time or cash buyer and a vacant property – but try to keep it as small as possible to reduce the risk of it falling through.
Are there any covenants on the land or property?
Covenants are restrictions on the land or property that could affect how you, or your neighbours, access or use the property.
A land covenant, for example, could be that you must let neighbours use an established pathway in your back yard to access their garden. They are usually simple and cover already-established practices, but make sure you read the small print very carefully before signing a contract.
Is the property freehold or leasehold?
Properties are either freehold or leasehold. A freehold means you own the property outright and owe no rent or maintenance to any other party.
A leasehold property, often seen in flats, means you’ll need to pay a regular fee towards the upkeep and maintenance of communal areas. Some mortgage lenders won’t lend on certain leasehold properties, so always make sure your chosen provider would give you a mortgage on the property you want.
Are there any lending restrictions on this property?
Other lending restrictions may apply to the property. For example, properties made of ‘non-standard construction’, commonly seen in concrete-laden high rises of the 1960s and 1970s, are unattractive to mortgage lenders.
They’ll often assess the risk of the property and the possibility of the resale value dropping over time.
Ask your mortgage adviser for help
To find out if your dream property is suitable for a mortgage, speak to your local mortgage adviser in Middlesbrough. They’ll provide impartial advice to help you make a decision about your mortgage options for the property you’ve got your eye on.
Find out more about our Mortgage Advice service in Middlesbrough