Red flags that aren't so obvious in potential property areas?

LadyL2013

Hypothetical situation:


You've seen a property you really like and want to make an offer on. You've researched the area and although there's information on the general vicinity, there's nothing really to be found on that particular area. So you decide to go for a look around the immediate vicinity (say a half mile radius). Other than the obvious things like burnt out cars, graffiti etc. What things would you be looking out for that would make you say 'NO!'?

elverson

UKIP election posters.

cloo

I don't know, if you're getting beyond the obvious, such as poor repair, then you're just getting kind of paranoid and likely to be looking for such small things that you'll convince yourself out of the deal.

With areas, unlike houses, if nothing looks obviously wrong, then nothing *is* wrong, I'd say.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Walk round the area at night and see how you feel.

Tiners

Best tip I can offer is ask the postie... as long as it's the regular postie who's been delivering to the area for any length of time I guarantee he/she will have more local knowledge/info/gossip than anyone else.

LadyL2013

Tiners wrote: »

Best tip I can offer is ask the postie... as long as it's the regular postie who's been delivering to the area for any length of time I guarantee he/she will have more local knowledge/info/gossip than anyone else.

That's a good suggestion! Have mental images of stalking a postie now!

sparky130a

The state of the local properties, do people take pride in their property?

Local amenities, are there any? Are they well kept?

Ultimately the cliched mantra is king.

Time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted...

always_sunny

Front gardens are a good indication, parking too, what sort of cars and type of permit.
It really depends on what sort of neighbourhood you like though...

KateySW

Similarly to the postie idea, go and ask the owner of the local corner shop. I found out a whole load of useful information from a particular chap I spoke to before I made an offer on a house near there

Alternatively, going at different times of day is a good shout, also https://www.streetcheck.co.uk/ is very interesting.

AndyBSG

Local crime rates and local news paper websites/community sites and social media groups always reveal a lot.

PasturesNew

In the immediate road/s, drive round and look for "nickables" - if there are garage doors left wide open and unattended and lots of pots in the front gardens and an assortment of portable items that could be lifted away .... then the residents don't fear crime/petty crime at all and are happy to leave their stuff on full display expecting it to still be there the next day.