Should we buy a home with a security system

Izzy8484

Hi there,

My fianc!e and I saw a small 2 bed mid-terrace property with a garden today.

Everything is fine with the house, it has everything we need and is in or price range we are just not sure about the area.

When we entered the living room, they had a security system set up with one separate tv showing a view of their garden, front door and side. It makes us think that they either have neighbours from hell or are worried about burglaries. Surely otherwise this security system is total overkill.

When we prompted the estate agent she said this is because of their dog who roams around in the garden. I saw from the pictures that the dog is tiny though.

Our friend who’s of Mauritian descent lives a road away and said that he got funny looks and comments from the neighbours when he moved in. We are a white and Chinese couple so that’s also something to think about.

I’d love to hear your thoughts as I’m sure many of you are more experienced with property than I am.

Thanks!

middleclassbutpoor

Use a website to check general crime in the area.

It would worry me also but equally it could be someone who is nervous/cautious or just wants to be nosey at what is going on outside.

coffeehound

It's worthwhile visiting the area at different times to get a feel for the neighbourhood and whether you feel safe. A few pass-bys on the pavement in the evening to hear what noises are coming from the neighbours - arguing, dogs, kids, TV, music, drum kit, what-have-you.

martinthebandit

middleclassbutpoor wrote: »

Use a website to check general crime in the area.
.

This one https://www.crime-statistics.co.uk/postcode
for example.

I would also visit the neighbourhood on a Friday or Saturday evening

Rosieandjim

I advise you to walk along the street and try to talk to nearby neighbours about the area in general. Don't say what house you are thinking of buying but try to find out if there are any problem families. This hopefully will save you the heartache we went through. In hindsight we should have done just that but did not and then spent the next 8 years living in a hellish situation. The difficulty was that all on the outside looked ok but what was going on inside was nightmare stuff.