What to check when looking at a property for the first time
According to a recent study 77% of buyers miss out on essential things when they’re house browsing which leads to an average spend of £5000 to remedy issues which later become apparent.
The most common issues people miss are:
- Damp or mould
- Poor plumbing
- Cosmetic issues with walls and ceilings
- Insufficient heating
- Low water pressure
- Levels of sunlight in main living areas
On average, people are spending ₤ 5,000 however this figure tends to be a starting figure with the costs rising up to £20,000.
Other checks to take note of are:
- Checking windows and window frames
- Asking the owner about utility charges
- Opening cupboards and wardrobes (checking walls from inside if possible)
It may seem intrusive but lifting carpets and moving furniture to see what’s below, flushing toilets, inspecting walls for fractures and videoing the watching can all save money down the line. These are all inspections you can carry out with little experience however for a more thorough check you can instruct a surveyor to carry out a survey.
A survey is a property health check, carried out on behalf of any individual considering the purchase of a property. The inspection will result in a detailed report providing information about the condition of the property and any areas of concern.
When buying a property there are three levels of survey to consider:
- A valuation is a basic review of a property undertaken to assess its value.
- A Homebuyer’s Survey is more detailed than a valuation and is carried out on behalf of the buyer. This survey type is generally suitable for most conventional properties that are less than 150 years old.
- A Buildings Survey involves a more in-depth investigation and is generally recommended for older properties or properties that have been significantly altered.
Gaining a thorough overview of the home you are due to buy is important as once contracts exchange you cannot usually retract from buying the house without incurring a financial penalty. If you have seen a property and you are unsure how to proceed get a FREE consultation with one of our conveyancing solicitors by contacting us today on 0161 413 2047 or email us at property@versuslaw.co.uk. If you prefer, you can use our online conveyancing calculator.