Buying house, questions re locks etc

Miri_J

I'm buying a house. I know that from exchange I have to insure the property. But insurance companies want to know what locks are on the main doors for me to do this. I haven't taken note of these things. I can't easily go back as I'm moving a long way away. I've already asked the estate agent a few questions. How do you tackle this? Do you ask the estate agent, or surveyor or just make assumptions? I can't really see from the photos.
I know I will change the locks when I move in, but I won't be able to significantly change the type of locks. 

RHemmings

When I got my buildings and contents insurance, there was an option for 'don't know' for locks. It may mean that I'm paying more for insurance than I may be if I knew what type of locks I had. But, it didn't stop me being able to get insurance. 

DullGreyGuy

Miri_J said:

I'm buying a house. I know that from exchange I have to insure the property. But insurance companies want to know what locks are on the main doors for me to do this. I haven't taken note of these things. I can't easily go back as I'm moving a long way away. I've already asked the estate agent a few questions. How do you tackle this? Do you ask the estate agent, or surveyor or just make assumptions? I can't really see from the photos.
I know I will change the locks when I move in, but I won't be able to significantly change the type of locks. 

Normally just ask the estate agent, if one has done viewings there they can hopefully remember and a view of the keys will also give you a good indication... a mortice lock key is obvious, latch locks are harder to tell from multipoint locking systems but did you have to lift the handle to lock? What are the doors made of, if they are UPVC they're unlikely to be latch locks. 

At the end of the day go for the worst option and you end up overpaying but less likely to have a claims issue esp if there is a "dont know" option. 

Marvel1

I wouldn't rely on someone else providing the information in case it's wrong, instead answer I don't know to be safe.

chanz4

if upvc put multi lock

subjecttocontract

The usual process is for exchange and completion to take place on the same day so you shouldn't need to effect insurance between the two events.

tizerbelle

subjecttocontract said:

The usual process is for exchange and completion to take place on the same day so you shouldn't need to effect insurance between the two events.

I wouldn't say that's the usual at all.  1 or 2 weeks between exchange and completion (in E&W) would be usual.

EssexHebridean

Simultaneous exchange and complete really is pretty unusual in England - most people just need some certainty so that doesn't work for them! 

propertyrental

If you put 'not known' or the lowest security level lock, it will make a maeginal/small difference to the premium you pay.

But given you are going to change the locks I'd put BS standard locks of the type fitted. Presumably you can remember whether the front door had a mortice lock (cut into the door itself) or a latch (screwed onto the door? If the latter, you'll probably want to add a mortice anyway?

Or if upvc door, likely it had a multi=point lock. Likewise the back door/french doors - can yoiu really not remember anything?

subjecttocontract

EssexHebridean said:

Simultaneous exchange and complete really is pretty unusual in England - most people just need some certainty so that doesn't work for them! 

I'm working from personal experience. I've sold around 15 properties in the last 9 years......all simultaneous exchange & completion. 

nicmyles

subjecttocontract said:

EssexHebridean said:

Simultaneous exchange and complete really is pretty unusual in England - most people just need some certainty so that doesn't work for them! 

I'm working from personal experience. I've sold around 15 properties in the last 9 years......all simultaneous exchange & completion. 

Okay, but you said it was the usual process and you've been told (correctly) that it isn't. You (presumably by your own choice) have been doing something less common. If you've sold that many, I presume some/all are rentals, which is a bit different from a situation where someone is planning to move out of one place and into another ie the majority of residential property transactions.