Buying a property is a big decision. Knowing what questions to ask before purchasing your dream home will save time, money, and potential disappointment if things don't work out.
From questioning why the seller is moving to parking permits, Michael Reading, property and construction expert from Housetastic, reveals 10 important things every house hunter should ask. If you're heading off to view a property soon, take note...
1. How long has the property been on the market?
When you look at listings online, they usually include details that show how long the home has been on the market. Selling a house can be a frustrating and lengthy process, but it should generally take around three months to complete. If you notice a house has been sitting on the market for longer, don't be afraid to ask why.
'Ask for an overview of why the property has taken so long to sell. Perhaps it was priced too high originally, or it needs modernising and no one in the area has wanted to take on that challenge,' says Michael. 'Or it could be a more worrying and costly reason. For example, Japanese knotweed has been found on the property or there have been structural issues found.'
2. Why is the owner selling?
Houses are sold for a variety of reasons, and it never hurts to ask why. Whether it's because sellers want more outdoor space or need an extra bedroom, finding out why the property you love is on the market will help you decide whether it is right for you.
'From a negotiation perspective, if the sellers want to sell the property quickly, they may be more likely to accept a lower offer. On the other hand, if the owners are selling because they have found fault with the property, for example, there isn't enough storage space, or they would have preferred a south-facing garden, then this can help you re-evaluate your own needs,' Michael explains.
3. Have there been any damp issues?
Buying a house with major damp issues can prove problematic. When viewing the property, keep your nose open to a musty smell that may reveal any signs of damp (look out for dark or discoloured patches on walls, too). If you are interested in putting down an offer, surveyors will do a visual check for damp and will also use a handheld moisture meter when conducting your survey.
4. Have there been any renovations or extensions?
Buying a home is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at times. Don't forget to ask about any extensions or renovations which have been completed, plus when they were built, to give you greater insight into the property. Some projects which took place due to structural faults may lead to greater issues in the future.
Michael advises: 'While sellers have to disclose any major works they've had done on the property, it is advisable to get a survey conducted before purchasing, as this will guarantee you know everything about the condition your property is in.'
5. What is included in the sale?
Every situation is different, so there are no hard and fast rules. Whether it's curtains or a free-standing fridge, ask the seller what items they will include in the sale. Some people would be pleased to get rid of things they won't need in their next property, while others will want to take them. When it comes to buying a house, never presume anything that isn't written down in the contract.
6. How energy efficient is the home?
An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, is a document which details how energy efficient a property is. A legal requirement for all domestic properties in the UK, the experts recommend asking about the energy efficiency rating, especially if you're looking to lower bills.
'By knowing the EPC, you will not only learn how energy efficient the property is, but it allows you to know how expensive the property will be to run,' Michael explains.
7. What are the average monthly costs?
From utility bills to council tax payments, find out what the average costs are to ensure you can afford to live in the property. As well as assessing whether you could afford a mortgage, you'll want to know how much broadband, bills and utilities in the area cost.
'While utilities such as gas and electricity can vary depending on which supplier you decide to go with, council tax bands can be harder to amend and, if you do manage to get your tax band to drop, it can take a while to set up. Knowing this information in advance avoids the stress of overspending,' says Michael.
8. How are the neighbours?
According to Quick Move Now, declaring neighbour disputes is a legal requirement when selling a house. If you choose to ask a seller or estate agent if there have been any issues, they must give an honest answer.
'This means if there have been any boundary disputes, or if noise complaints have been formally lodged with council, then you have all the information available.'
9. Is there parking available?
Buying a house, inevitably, involves compromise. If you're not fussed about having a private driveway, then make sure you ask about on-street parking to plan where to keep your car and potentially avoid fines or high insurance costs. Some streets require a permit, which you may need to apply for.
10. Is the property in a conservation area?
'To do any work on your property in a conservation area, from changing windows and doors to building extensions or even just painting the exterior, you will need to get permission from the local council,' Micheal explains. 'Although this may seem a frustrating extra step to take, homes within conservation areas sell at a premium and rarely lose their value, unless significant damage occurs.'
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New home gifts: 20 really good housewarming gift ideas
This is a bestseller for a reason. This lovely gift set from The White Company includes the Seychelles signature candle, room spray and diffuser for a home that will smell truly delightful. This scent combines notes of evocative bergamot, bright orange and fresh coconut, with a hint of green jasmine, warming amber and buttery vanilla. Divine!
If you're looking for a practical housewarming gift, you can't go wrong with Smeg. If your recipient has a penchant for sky blue shades (and getting hands-on in the kitchen), then snap up this fabulous blender set for endless uses.
This antique-style candle holder is a brilliant gift for the person who appreciates a good tablescape. They can use it to dress their dinner table or simply style on a sideboard. It's handmade and crafted from high quality chromed steel with a brass finish, which gives it that antique look. Don't forget to buy some taper candles so they can set the scene right away!
This stainless steel map location key holder displays the location of a new home, the address and chosen names. It's a great idea that not only pays homage to a new neighbourhood, but keeps keys safe and in one place!
Is it a vase? Is it a book? This rather beautiful ceramic vase, shaped like a hardback book, is perfect for displaying dried flowers. Decorated like a classic novel with pretty floral details, this would ideally look at home on a bookshelf or mantel.
Championing consciously designed interiors, Nkuku is one of our favourites for quality, crafted pieces that will stand the test of time. A perfect new home gift, this decanter made from recycled glass has a lovely etched detailing on the base. If you've got a generous budget, buy the set of four tumblers to match.
Peonies are fleeting beauties and this lovely coffee table book captures this beloved flower in abundance. Not just for show, inside you'll find photos of blooming peonies alongside fascinating botanical knowledge and an overview of the plant's cultural history by author Anja Klaffenbach. The book series includes succulents, roses, orchids and lilies, so the whole (rather colourful) set would make a lovely housewarming gift for green-fingered types.
This one's a kitchen must-have. Other than chopping up vegetables for dinner, this round acacia wood board is a rustic way to serve up canapés and other tasty treats. Carved by hand in India, it's shaped and chiselled using traditional woodworking techniques.
Buying a housewarming gift for a new plant parent? You can't go wrong with an unkillable bundle. The set includes the cast iron plant, robusta rubber plant and the snake plant.
Make every coffee break a bright one with this cup and saucer set, just like those used across all the Grind cafés. We love the rich red glossy glaze and contrasting white trim on the plate and inner cup. You can choose from espresso (80ml), flat white (180ml) and cappuccino (200ml).
Organisation is key when creating a streamlined home, so we think this Kate Spade letter tray would make the perfect gift. It can be positioned on a console table or desk to collate letters and ensure everything remains in one place.
Even for those who prefer a neutral, pared-back home, the kitchen is an ideal space to introduce colour. We love these vibrant salt and pepper grinders by Alessi (sold separately) that will perfectly transition from a kitchen worktop to a dining table.
Another kitchen essential, budding or keen cooks will no doubt appreciate the viral Always Pan. No meal is off-limits with this colourful duo.
A kitchen staple, you can never have too many tea towels in our opinion. We've added these to the list because any style-conscious lover will appreciate the beauty of William Morris prints!
These glazed pastel stacking heart bowls are simply beautiful. Painted with reactive glazes, each has a distinctive finish which makes it all the more unique.
For the person who loves a scented home, choose from three scents: Black Pomegranate (black), Sea Grass (navy) and Nag Champa (mustard yellow). The set includes a gold foiled presentation box with 15 handcrafted incense sticks.
Give the gift of a lovely new photo frame, perfect for a sideboard or home office. This one's finished with an on-trend scalloped-edge in a glossy mid-blue hue.
Practical gifts will always be appreciated. The perfect home greeting, this rectangular coconut fibre doormat emblazoned with the word 'welcome' is a must-have for a new abode.
This is a brilliant personalised new home gift for cheese lovers. Sure to take pride of place in the kitchen, it can be personalised with a name of your choosing. It's cleverly designed too, with a hidden compartment containing a set of cheese knives.
There are some items that will always have a place in the home, and a versatile bowl is one of them. This one is made from intricately woven black seagrass and finished with a criss cross decorative pattern.
