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What questions should you ask when buying a house?

When you’re looking to buy a house, it’s important to make sure you ask the right questions. 

What questions to ask

We can help you answers some key questions for your house-buying checklist.

How long has the property been on the market?

If a property has been up for sale for more than three months, there could be an issue other potential buyers have spotted.

Don’t be afraid to ask the estate agent if there have been any offers or why the house hasn’t sold yet.

Why are the owners selling?

The agent might not know, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If they’re looking to sell quickly, they might accept a lower offer. For example, if they’re in a property chain.

Ask how long they’ve lived there. If they’re selling their house after less than a year, is there a reason, such as noisy neighbours for example?

What fixtures and fittings are included?

Find out if the sellers are planning to leave any white goods behind, like a washing machine or fridge. Know exactly what you’ll get when you buy. It could save you the cost of replacing items or the hassle for both parties moving them.

Is the property listed or in a conservation area?

If you’re thinking of buying a listed property or a home in a conservation area, be aware that this could restrict what you can change about it. Or it could make the process a bit more difficult. This includes:

  • Adding an extension
  • Changing the interior layout
  • Redesigning the garden.

What are the local amenities like?

If you’re new to the area, ask the estate agent what it’s like. Take a stroll or drive around the neighbourhood and check out the nearby amenities, such as shops, doctors and schools.

How much is the council tax and average utility bills?

Figuring out how much you’ll be paying each month to live in the property can help you budget properly.

Find out the property’s council tax band and ask how much the average utility bills are each month. You can then factor these costs into your monthly outgoings.

How energy efficient is the new home?

Remember to ask about the property’s Energy Performance Certificate.

This will give you an idea of what your energy bills will be and how much your home will cost to run each month.

Tips for viewing a home

A home is probably the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make. As well as asking lots of questions, make your viewing count by following these tips.

 

View the property more than once, at different times of the day

If you’re viewing the property during the day, the area may seem nice and quiet. But does it become noisier in the evening?

Book one viewing during the day, then arrange another after work. Remember to bring a friend, partner or family member along with you for a second opinion.

Keep your eyes peeled for new patches of paint and damp

If part of a wall looks like it’s had a fresh lick of paint, give it a quick inspection. The owner could have tried to cover up cracks or a damp patch. Peeling wallpaper, bubbling paint, mould or a musty smell could highlight similar issues.

Check the outside of the property

A home’s exterior can tell you a lot about its condition. Look out for things like loose tiles and broken paving stones that give away the state of the house. They may indicate it’ll need a bit of work.

Take plenty of pictures

Ask the owner’s permission to take pictures, so you can look over them again when you’re back home. It can help you decide whether the property suits you and think about any changes you’d like to make. It’s also handy for showing friends and family if you’re looking for a second opinion.

Turn on all taps in the bathroom and kitchen

Turn on the taps throughout the house to see how powerful the flow is. Test if the water heats up quickly to check the boiler is in a good condition. It’s also worth asking how old the boiler is, as this can be expensive to replace.

If you like a long shower in the morning, don’t be afraid to flick it on while you’re viewing to check the water pressure.

Check the condition of windows

Replacing windows can also be expensive, so be sure to check them.

Look for condensation, which could mean poor ventilation, and damaged seals if the home has PVC windows. Look at the walls beneath the windows to check for damp.

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