10 Things To Consider When Viewing A Property To Purchase (FREE CHECKLIST DOWNLOAD)
Often buyers have regretted making a purchase due to viewing the property for just 20 minutes. Yes just 20 minutes to make such an important decision! Luckily, at MECS were here to help, we’ve created a checklist of things to look out for and to ask when you attend a viewing.
Don’t be fooled by Cleverly placed mirrors, strategic lighting, delicious smells, cosy fires, and fresh licks of paint used to make a home more appealing. It’s easy for your decision to be influenced by the feeling of being able to move straight into a property.
1. Is there damp?
Look out for any mouldy smells, watermarked walls, or ceilings, Make sure you look closely near skirting boards and ceiling. Be mindful that paint could possibly be covering any damp.
2. How is the local area?
Is the property located near any good schools, parks, shopping centers, and restaurants? Is it easy to get to public transport? Are there any nosy roads or train tracks nearby?
3. How much storage space is there?
Storage space is one of the most overlooked but valuable assets.. think about it, where would you keep your vacuum, boxes of junk, spare linen and towels. Is there room for cupboards or shelves to be built in?
4. Which way does the house face
In the summer, this can make a big difference between a home full of light and warm compared to one that is dark. Also, be mindful that some rooms may be extremely hot so take your time during the viewing.
5. Loft condition and access
Is the loft well insulated, are you able to access it through a ladder, where is the ladder stored?
6. Window frames
Are the window frames double glazed? Single frame windows have reduced security, poorly energy efficient, weak noise reduction and less economical. If you can easily push your finger into a wooden window frame, they are usually rotten. If there is condensation between double-glazed window-panes it means that they are faulty.
7. Is it leasehold or freehold?
Freehold: Someone who owns the freehold of a property owns the property and the land it stands on, for an unlimited period. Interestingly, the Civil Aviation Act 1982 means you'll also 'own' and have rights to the 'airspace' above your property up to about 500 feet.
Leasehold: Unlike a freeholder, as a leaseholder, you own the property BUT NOT the land on which it is built – that is owned by the freeholder. Ownership of your property is also for a set period, which can be a number of years, decades, or centuries, depending on the length of your lease. If your lease expires, ownership of your property technically passes to the freeholder.
8. Are there enough power points and what condition are they in?
Dodgy wiring can be dangerous, and rewiring your new home can be an expensive business. Also check out the fuse board – often an indication of the state of the wiring but a survey will confirm if it needs replacing. Having enough plug points is apparently a big selling point in our increasing gadget-driven world so worth taking note of on the way round.
9. Is the plumbing up to scratch?
Run the taps to check the water pressure. Ask if the pipes are insulated, and ensure they are not lead which would have to be replaced. Do the radiators actually work? How old is the boiler? If the hot water tank is situated in the roof it is probably an old one and may have to be replaced soon
10. Is the property adequately sound-proofed?
If the sellers have the radio or television on ask for it to be turned down to ensure that you can’t hear your neighbors’ every word.
Tel:0121 681 6327
Email: info@mecsproperty.co.uk
