Viewing first property as a buyer

Mat_Lock

Anything I should be asking whilst viewing. Anything I should be looking out for. How much am I able to look at, say if it had a loft, would I be able to see it etc.

Pretty much new to this as buyer. Only rented and guess I look at most things for that but wondered if there might be more.

/noob mode

Cheers

Mat

MadelinesMum

My advice would be to some research before you view - the maps on rightmove / zoopla are very useful. Personally, I look for railway lines, rivers and sub stations, busy roads etc... (but these don't bother some people).

When there I look for damp, cracks, musty smells, roof, problem trees, the list could go on and on.

I went to one place and the owner had somehow claimed next doors side entrance as his own - when questioned he said it was now his as he had used it for years! I gave that one a miss.

stator

Look for signs of damp and cracks on the inside or outside.
Check all the windows and doors work, look for double glazing misted on the inside.
Try to notice any draughts or cold spots.
You can always ask to see the loft, no reasonable seller would refuse, if they've got a ladder.
Check for insulation, loft insulation is easy to spot. Look for the signs of cavity wall insulation.
Check if they've done any building work recently?
Check if they have gas.
How old is the boiler? Is it under warranty? When was it last serviced? Gas safety check?
When were the electrics last checked?
Check if they have normal meters or pre-pay meters.
Check if they have a water meter or not.
Look at the roof from outside, take a pair of binnoculars. Ask if they have any problems with it. When was it last replaced? Are the gutters blocked, leaking?
Any problems with the drains? Any blockages?
Ask about flooding, ever happened in the area?
Ask about problems with the neighbours, parking issues? Any crime in the area?
Ask if it is freehold and if there is any sort of shared management company you have to pay fees to.
Ask if they've ever tried to extend it or if they were refused planning permission for anything.
Check if anyone nearby already has planning permission for any new developments
Ask them why they're selling it (and take their answer with a pinch of salt).
Ask the council tax band

Mat_Lock

Thanks, all valuable information.

I already know the area where the flat is. Used to work in the same town. Decent transport to city of London which is essential for my fiancee. There's shops, restaurants and other amenities nearby.

The flat is currently uninhabited and looks to require a little work which I won't be afraid to do. I know friends who can do bathrooms and kitchens which is handy. Rest I could probably do with a little help.

I will check all the stuff I can on that list stator.

martin1959

Knock on all neighbours doors and say you are thinking of buying the flat, and is there anything you should know about the area.


Not that you will be particularly interested in their response, if you have already done your research, but this will give you an insight to what the neighbours are like, and how they look after their properties.....try and find if they own or are tenants. If tenants they may change frequently.....

Mat_Lock

Well the original thread was about what to look for when hunting. The first viewing never took place due to the agents breaking the door lock. Upon looking around it was pretty grim. The public areas smelled and didn't feel like much had been cleaned recently. The property was a repossession and the front door looked a little beaten up, probably where the original tenants got evicted and tried to get back in. There was a hole above the front door in to the roof too. Put me off straight away really.

Seen a couple of places since and we've now made an offer on a flat. Haven't heard anything for 2 weeks, been keeping in contact with the agents and we're still top offer but apparently the wife of the family is holding out for more. I don't think it's worth any more than what we've offered and I guess after 2 weekends since our offer they haven't had anyone else offer more.

Just wish it'd hurry up so we know we can go next step ! I'm so impatient haha

ognum

Mat_Lock wrote: »

Well the original thread was about what to look for when hunting. The first viewing never took place due to the agents breaking the door lock. Upon looking around it was pretty grim. The public areas smelled and didn't feel like much had been cleaned recently. The property was a repossession and the front door looked a little beaten up, probably where the original tenants got evicted and tried to get back in. There was a hole above the front door in to the roof too. Put me off straight away really.

Seen a couple of places since and we've now made an offer on a flat. Haven't heard anything for 2 weeks, been keeping in contact with the agents and we're still top offer but apparently the wife of the family is holding out for more. I don't think it's worth any more than what we've offered and I guess after 2 weekends since our offer they haven't had anyone else offer more.

Just wish it'd hurry up so we know we can go next step ! I'm so impatient haha

Just keep looking at other flats, sounds like this lady could be a nightmare vendor.

Mat_Lock

There's barely anything else out there in our budget. It's scary how little there is.

ognum

Mat_Lock wrote: »

There's barely anything else out there in our budget. It's scary how little there is.

Well it is a case of supply and demand, maybe if there is so little on the market the vendor is right and she can get an extra few K.

Try having a conversation about what the vendor wants no see if there is a compromise you can make that helps progress the sale.

Mat_Lock

Well I spoke to the agents on Friday and asked if they'd increase our offer by another £1k.

Heard back from agents today and they've already accepted our original offer. Phew

chazsucks

Congrats Mat Lock!

Are you buying in the area you live in currently?