After buying house?

typeractive

Hi all!

There is heaps of advice about buying houses on here, though I'm after a spot of advice once the contracts are exchanged and completed. Once you get those keys in ya hand, what's the first thing(s) to be doing?

*Hopefully* I'm not too far away from getting my mits on those keys, but if/when I do, then what? I won't be moving into the property for some time as it requires a lot of work (gulp), but what do I need to do?

A friend has said, check the meters straight away, probably need buildings insurance, also need to tell the council I won't be living there for a while, how long will I not need to pay council tax for / or at a reduced rate?

Any other help and info would be super!
Cheers!

MMG

You will need to have building insurance sorted before completion!

typeractive

Right! I guess I can just do that online - look for a good deal?

Thanks

Gwhiz

Yep, you'll need buildings insurance as soon as you exchange. Council tax rules vary (I think) so you're best off calling the council that covers the property. Meter readings is good to make sure the past owners have not diddled you by giving the utilities companies a low reading. If you are not moving in will you at least be collecting post or having it re-directed? Lot's of letters on doorstep is a signal to burglars that the house is empty.

typeractive

Thanks, I won't be moving in, but will be renovating on evenings / weekends etc. Each time I've been to view the property there aren't the usual mountains of rubbish when ya get inside - been vacant for well over a year...probably closer to 2 years!

Am I right in thinking that at the moment I just NEED buildings cover, the contents could come once I get moved in and have anything worth breaking / nicking etc?

I'll have to call the council - cheers for that.

Gwhiz

typeractive wrote: »

Thanks, I won't be moving in, but will be renovating on evenings / weekends etc. Each time I've been to view the property there aren't the usual mountains of rubbish when ya get inside - been vacant for well over a year...probably closer to 2 years!

Am I right in thinking that at the moment I just NEED buildings cover, the contents could come once I get moved in and have anything worth breaking / nicking etc?

I'll have to call the council - cheers for that.

Just buildings UNLESS you start filling it with expensive stuff

terrierlady

change the locks

gemstars

You need buildings insurance FROM EXCHANGE if you are buying with a mortgage.

I moved straight in to my property. The things I did first were:

- Take the meter readings and contact the supplier with them (I also took photos of them in case there are any problems further down the line
- Change the locks and alarm codes
- Clean everywhere before all the stuff arrived.

Good luck :-)

DVardysShadow

Read the meters, keep a written record and inform the suppliers. Taking the readings is absolutely the first thing you do after you enter the property.

Nosht

Also check the contents that nothing has been taken away that should not be such as light bulbs &c. by the vendors.
Change nameplate on door.
Check water supply, milkman, mail, window cleaner &c..

N.

typeractive

Thanks everyone. I'm off to look for house insurance now! Any recommendations?