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When you begin to start viewing properties there are some things you should consider and some you should look out for.
- Check out parking and storage
- Check running costs, such as council tax and utility bills
- Check out crime rates, transport links and whether prices have risen or fallen in the area
- Consider extending your search if you can’t find anything within your budget
- Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property
- If buying leasehold, who’s the freeholder and managing agent? How much are ground fees and service charges?
You can request viewings through all of the websites above, and directly with estate agents. If you know your area, budget and must haves, an estate agent is usually happy to find all the relevant properties they have available and will show you around them all in one go. It is a good idea to do this with all the agents in the area so you can see all of your options. For some people it is worthwhile making a day over it and visiting multiple properties in one day to cut travelling time/ costs and work around work or childcare commitments. It is a good idea to take someone who you trust with you, especially if they have experience so they can offer helpful advice and insight.
Ask lots of questions! Don’t be afraid to ask the estate agent selling the home lots of questions, some examples: How long have the vendors lived here? Where is the boiler? Is there central heating? Is the attic boarded out? If you’re looking for a flat you will want to ask: How much is the ground rent and service charge? Is there parking available? No question is out of bounds when you’re looking at purchasing a property.
Here are our top 20 questions to ask according to money saving expert.com To view their 23 property search tips guide visit https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/finding-property-for-sale/
Here are some examples of the kind of questions you could ask.
- How many viewings has it had?
- How many offers has it had?
- How long has it been on the market?
- Can I see electrical and gas installation checks/reports?
- How long is the lease (if it has one)?
- Have there been any neighbour disputes?
- Why are the vendors moving and are they sure they want to sell now?
- What renovations have been done?
- How old is the boiler and when was it last inspected?
- When was it last rewired?
- Where are the vendors moving to – is there a chain?
- If it’s leasehold, does it have a service charge? (See charges)
- Who lives upstairs/downstairs/next door?
- How long has the seller lived there?
- What’s included in the sale? White goods? Curtains? Wood burner?
- Is there an allotted parking space/residents’ permits?
- If there’s a real fireplace, is it safe to use?
- Have there been any subsidence problems?
- What’s the council tax band? (Also check this yourself.)
- What local plans could affect the property?
Download a 
Property-Viewing checklist at:
Before you make your offer Don’t Rush! Consider if any works need doing to the property and if you are willing to do these works. If so, how will you be able to afford them. Some buyers at this point might arrange for a survey to be completed on the home they are looking to buy, but most people will do this after they have made their offer.