Viewing a property can be overwhelming, there's lots to consider as you look around a property, trying to decide if it could be your home. Here are some questions we'd recommend asking on a viewing.
What questions to ask when viewing a property
The estate agent should be there to help. Certainly, our experts are there to make sure that you get the most out of a property viewing, and to discuss all aspects of what may become your new home.
Understanding the motivations of a move - downsizing, upsizing, new job, etc. And will there be a chain? can help to give you an idea of the timeline, which is especially helpful if you’re hoping to move soon. Or if you can offer the seller flexibility with moving dates.
Curtains, the garden shed, appliances… finding out what is and isn’t staying is very helpful to know so you can plan and budget accordingly.
Maybe there are also some pieces of furniture to your taste that fit perfectly, it might be worth finding out if the owner would be interested in selling early on. The fine details will be discussed via your conveyancer but knowing what key items are included when making an offer is crucial.
Most of us have experienced the trials and tribulations of a boiler that doesn’t work just when you really need it to! Boilers, of course, require regular maintenance, so knowing how old it is, when it was last serviced, and if it has a guarantee, is important information. At least if you know it may need replacing soon, you’ll be prepared.
This means is the property Freehold or Leasehold? and importantly if a leasehold how long is left on the lease?
What's the ground rent and what are the Management company charges?
All important considerations when working out your costs and for mortgage applications.
For older properties or properties in conservation areas, you’ll need to know if there are parts of the house you can’t alter - but only if you’re thinking of changing anything of course!
You could get into demographics - families, professionals? or simply find out what local events or groups to be aware of, maybe a summer street party. There's likely to be more going on locally than you had realised.
Will you need a parking permit? How many permits are you allowed for this property? If you’re a commuter by car, how is it finding a space in the evening after work? In the city, it's rarely easy but it's good to be prepared. Maybe ask about other commuting options too.
Is there a useful loft space? and could it be converted one day? or a basement that has the potential to be a secret snug! We all need some space to throw suitcases and Christmas decorations, so knowing what storage options you will have or can be created helps.
Some gardens may look stunning, but it’s important to remember that they probably look that way because of a lot of hard work. If you’re looking forward to having green fingers, then this won’t be a concern, but if not, you might need to consider a gardener for high-maintenance spaces.
We hope this article was useful, if you would like to discuss your property search our team will be happy to help.
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