In This Guide
Before you start
Choosing an area
Homes needing work
My dream home
New homes
Offline search
Online search
Schools
Types of purchase
Viewing property
1. Before you go
2. What to do
3. What to ask
4. Decision time
Viewing property
What to ask
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You may think that there has been a bit of overkill on our part in terms of the amount of information we provide on our site. But we are firm believers that the more you know, the better equipped you are to make a sound judgement, so we have got some more questions for you to ask the vendor or the agent showing you round:
What should I ask when
I am viewing a property?
Anything that comes into your head! The owner or the estate agent
should answer almost anything. If they start to get too cagey,
don't be put off. If they are hiding something, it is probably
something worth knowing.
How many people have
you had to view the place?
Have you had any offers? Lot's of people and no offers or one
person and one offer?
The numbers don't tell the whole story but they can give you some
clues.
What is your
position in terms of a selling chain?
This will give you an indication of how quickly they will
be able to complete the sale should you decide to buy. If you
are working to strict deadlines, this could be a factor.
Why are you selling?
If the unlikely answer is something like "I am sick of the train
outside depriving me of sleep, the place is falling apart and
basically, I have been miserable here ever since I moved in",
you should probably get your coat. However, there are a lot of
valid reasons for sale which shouldn't put you off at all. Find
out if the vendor wants a quick sale, as this might allow you
to snap up the home at a reduced price.
How long has the property
been on the market?
If it has been on the market for too long, think long and hard
before making an offer. If they are having trouble selling it
this time round, chances are it won't get any easier for you next
time round. Then again, it may be a chance to knock them down
in price.
Has the property has
ever been burgled while you have lived there?
Has your car ever been stolen from outside?
It's probably not worth getting too worried about a single isolated
incident, but if the answer reaffirms some suspicions you have
about the area, consider the implications for your security.
How much did you pay
for the property?
The guilt factor can play on your team here. If they are making
a big profit on the sale, they may go a bit coy and sheepish.
Then again in times of negative equity it probably wouldn't be
the shrewdest question to ask.
It can also be a good test of their honesty. If you really want to do your homework, you can find out for yourself how much they paid. For a £4 fee, the land registry will tell you the price and date on which they purchased, so you can nod in mock surprise when in fact you already know.
What comes with
the property?
Whether it's the shed in the garden, the furniture, the shelves
or the carpets in the lounge, make sure you are clear what is
staying and what is going. If some things are staying, find out
how much of reduction you could get for not having them. Second
hand curtains and carpets are not usually worth very much.
Would I be able to
sell this place at short notice?
If the answer is a definite resounding no, then you know what
to do.
Why does this seem
to be such a bargain?
Most people have had their place valued before they sell it. If
it is cheaper than other properties of a similar type in the area,
there is probably a reason.
Are the roof and walls
heated?
This can make quite a difference to your bills over a long period
of time.
What work have you
had done on the property recently?
You may make them blush if they have given the place a dust-over.
Incidentally, how
much are the utility bills generally?
No harm in asking. If they can show you a winter heating bill,
great.
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