Property viewings are really exciting. The information and pictures you’ve been looking at in listings come to life and you can really imagine if/how you’d fit into the new space.
However, viewings are also a fantastic opportunity to ask some key questions and glean useful information. A few key inquiries at a viewing could sway your opinion and even dictate your offer.
So, whether you’re buying a new build home or something that’s centuries old, here are the 10 questions all first time buyers should ask at a property viewing…
Although this might just sound nosy, you can draw some useful conclusions from the answer. For example, if the vendor is moving for work or there’s another pressing reason for a sale, they may be highly motivated and consider a lower offer. If you’re prepared with a mortgage in principle and are not part of a chain, you’re in an especially good position.
On the other hand, you may find out that they’re just ‘testing the waters’ to see what kind of price they could fetch. In this case, a low offer is unlikely to seal the deal: but at least you’ve got a better understanding of the vendor’s motivation.
If a house is up for sale for a long time, you can arrive at a few conclusions:
You shouldn’t necessarily be put off by a property that’s been on the market a while. There may have been issues with past buyers or any number of other reasons for a delay.
So, if the answer to this question is that the property has been on the market a long time, you should next find out why.
On the other hand, if the property is new to the market, it’s less likely that the vendors will accept a low offer. Either way, you have useful information to help make your decisions.
If the vendor has found a new property and is ready to move, then they’re really looking for a buyer and may accept a lower offer.
However, if they are yet to find a property then you may end up in a long chain which could delay your move. Once you’ve found this out, you need to decide if this is something you’re happy with or not.
When buying a new build, the situation is a little different because although there is no chain, the developer may not be as amenable to a low offer.
Of course, you should get your own survey completed on any home you plan to buy, even when buying a new build property. However, it never hurts to simply ask outright if there have been any issues noted in past surveys.
House viewings are a great time to find out extra information about a property. You could ask if there have been any recent extensions or major works e.g. a new roof or windows. Also, you might learn about any potential options to extend (although you’d obviously need to get planning permission).
Busy roads, crime, flight paths, nearby planned building developments… these are all things you might find out about simply by asking if there are any issues. If you don’t ask, you might not know until it’s too late and you don’t have a chance to make an informed decision/offer!
It’s also worth visiting the area at day and night to see what it’s like living there round the clock.
It’s easy to get swept up in the viewing: planning who gets which room and where your TV might go, but it’s important to think about all the practical aspects of a move. Bills can vary hugely area-to-area and house-to-house. At a viewing, you can find out which council tax band you’d be in and look at the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) to find out how efficient the house is.
If you’re buying a new build house, the EPC is likely to be good so this should mean lower bills. On the other hand, older houses tend to be less energy efficient so you may face higher monthly outgoings, which is worth keeping in mind.
Neighbours can become your best friends… or quite the opposite! If you discover the apartment building you’re looking at is filled with young people who party late at night, this could be a nightmare or dream-come-true. Equally, a quiet street where everyone keeps themselves to themselves is perfect for some but not for others.
If you do get to meet some neighbours, there’s another chance to ask more questions about the area and even the vendors themselves. You might find out something to sway your decision or inform your offer.
This is a great question and the answer can vary hugely. Everything that’s included should be itemised in a contract at a later date, but it can’t hurt to have an idea at the outset. When buying a new build home, you may even get to make some key decisions when it comes to what’s included in terms of the finish, fixtures and fittings.
You can’t assume anything when it comes to what will be left/taken, so you could ask if any of the following is included:
Finally, think about your lifestyle. Consider asking about any of the following that are important to you:
Don’t be self-conscious about taking a pen and paper to viewings. There’s a lot to absorb when you visit a property and it can be difficult to remember details once you’ve finished. Note down answers to the above questions, especially if you’re looking at multiple houses, so you can refer to the information at a later date to help with your decisions.
These 10 questions will give you some really useful information at property viewings. If you’d like to arrange a viewing or are thinking of buying a property and would like help at any stage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your local Charters team will be happy to answer.
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