10 Things To Look For When Buying A House

If you’re looking to move house, then you may already know your budget, what sort of house you want, and the area you want to live in. You might not know how to make sure you fully examine the property, and to make sure that you buy the perfect property for your needs.

When you view a house, you should be aware of the following:

1. Check the condition of the house both inside and out. If the house needs decorating, and doors or other fixtures and fittings need replacing or repairing, this may mean that the rest of the house needs work doing to it. Don’t forget to ask about the central heating, the boiler and the electrics. If they haven’t been checked or replaced recently then you may need to budget for this.

2. Also look for cracks in walls and ceilings, and damp patches. Recently decorated walls, or an out of place rug may be hiding something.

3. Speak to the sellers about their utility bills, and see how much they are spending on gas, electricity and Council Tax. In an apartment block, there may be additional charges for building and garden maintenance.

4. Find out why are the sellers moving. It may be obvious, in that a small flat isn’t big enough for their family. It may be that they have had enough of noisy neighbours, or the house is in a flight path, or there is a proposed new development that will spoil the view.

5. Find out what is included in the sale. Are all the carpets, lampshades and door handles included? Could you agree to buy them as part of the house, or will you have to buy your own?

6. Is there a garden? If you have children then you may want a garden. You may not have the time or inclination to look after a garden, or radically change it. If there is a garden, is it well looked after, or has it become a mess?

7. Is the area quiet or busy? Handy for amenities, or not? You may already know the area, but you might also be new to the town. You don’t want the perfect house that’s too far away from the shops and places you need.

8. Is the area or town friendly? What are the neighbours like? Do their houses seem to be well looked after? Could you see yourself living there?

9. Transport may be a prominent factor. You may need easy access to the train station, or the motorway, or rely on buses. You’ll need to find out whether your potential new home has good transport links.

10. Schools are important when looking at a new home, even you haven’t got children, you may have one day, or you may want to avoid a busy school route.

Once you have found your ideal home, you will want to put an offer in, and if accepted, contact a conveyancing solicitor to perform the necessary checks and surveys. When you have a completion date, you will be able to arrange the removal company, and look forward to moving into your new home.

If you're looking to move house, you'll need a Conveyancing Solicitor to help you with the legal process. Get a Conveyancing Quote with the Conveyancing Calculator at EADSolicitors.co.uk