Tips for viewing houses to buy

UnderOffer

Coopsy85 said:

One thing I would say though, the house that we really like is one that I’d dismissed on Rightmove and only went to see it because we were viewing some others with the same estate agent and they suggested having a look while we were in the area. 

This... don’t dismiss a house from a quick glance at the listing. I’m guilty of this, my DH booked an appointment and I was annoyed as it was the one I’d said was no good due to not having any frontage and the door opened onto street, we had very young children and I envisaged them running into Road at every opportunity. Viewed, loved it, lived their for 10 years plus and didn’t once lose a kid out the front door 😀.

lincroft1710

I know this happened nearly 60 years ago, but a house came up for sale adjoining friends of my parents (they also knew the vendor). So parents went and had a look around friends' house, rather than the house for sale, then went to the auction (usual method of selling.in early 1960s) and although the house failed to reach reserve, they managed to do a deal and spent nearly 40 years quite happily living there. 

I have not inherited their bravado/devil-may-care-attitude/stupidity and always view and have a survey.

tealady

Have a list of "must haves and a list of " not on your nellies".
Be prepared to compromise. For me it was size of house. Bought a smaller house in a nice area.
Been there over 20 years and am still happy there.
BTW my neighbours rent and they are lovely people.

lady1964

For me, having lived in a mid terrace, a flat and a semi detached, I’m now in a detached and love not being able to hear my neighbours or them being able to hear me. Parking is a big thing for me, we have 2 cars and a double drive is essential. Our house is in a peaceful cul de sac with nice neighbours, another positive.

We wanted potential to have a big kitchen/diner/social space with a seperate living room, which we’ve got. We wanted at least one spare room for visitors as we’ve moved 200 miles from our previous house. Location was very high on our list; close to shops for every day needs, a choice of pubs and places to eat but also not too far from larger shops and a supermarket, with good bus routes into a city. Schools weren’t a consideration but being close to a doctors was important too.

A downstairs bathroom would be a deal breaker for me, mainly because I get up at least twice a night 😂 as would shared parking, unkempt houses and gardens and being under a flight path; I’ve had all of these in the past and appreciate how lucky I am that I’ve been able to be so picky.

avawat20

Check everything works. Look closely at things like tiles - are they in line/straight - e.g. has it been a bad diy job? Check around window sills. Check for any signs the double glazing or whatever isn't right as it may need replacing.
Check water pressure, that showers and other utilities included work.
Check boiler has been serviced recently if applicable.
Go back at all kinds of day and night a few times to see what neighbours and neighbourhood is like.
Make sure the electrical points all seem to be at about the same level - more likely to be done professionally. 
Check the loft if there is one.
Check for any areas of mould on ceilings or in corners if you can.
Ask about all of this too and get it in writing, then you have covered yourself if they haven't been truthful or put them in a position that makes them be truthful!

Due to COVID I would save this for a second view and offer to wear gloves and use an anti bac wipe st the same time.

Hope this helps - learnt this all being a first time buyer 3 years ago!

Davesnave

avawat20 said:

Ask about all of this too and get it in writing, then you have covered yourself if they haven't been truthful or put them in a position that makes them be truthful!

Do not ask the vendor to put things in writing during a viewing; it's a great way to alienate them!

If you have viewed and have specific concerns not covered by the TA6, get your solicitor to ask the relevant questions.

Mnoee

With house buying vs renting, it's important to remember that almost everything aside from the location and physical size of the plot can be changed, it's just a matter of the effort and cost. Extra plug sockets can be put in or moved around, boilers and windows can be replaced, front gardens can be made into a driveway (assuming the council let's you drop the curb!). 

For me it was finding somewhere that ticked the majority of boxes that made it fine and livable for now, but with potential to make it absolutely perfect for me later. I don't have a downstairs loo, but have space to put one in, for example. I wouldn't compromise on location or detached, so a bit of a 'fixer upper' with no structural faults made sense with my budget. A dated avocado bathroom won't kill you, unless you're in a Mitchell and Webb sketch. 

eamon

Davesnave said:

RelievedSheff said:

If at all possible do not compromise on location. That is one thing you can not change about a property.

And aspect. Wrong side of the road, forget it! Neighbours opposite my first terraced house had the same short length of garden as me, but theirs never saw the sun from mid-afternoon onwards.

The above. The rear of my house faces south east. But I so wish that it faced south south east. I think that extra 22.5 degrees would get me an extra 3 hours of sunshine late spring & summer. Not that fussed about the front getting almost zero uesable sunshine as it does keep the bedroom cool in peak summer. Top tip: use a compass when viewing. I compromised with the fact of having off street car parking.