What to Ask When Viewing a Property
Are you a first-time buyer getting ready to view properties? Viewing a property is one of the most exciting steps in your home-buying journey, but it’s essential to ask the right questions to make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking at houses or flats, knowing what to ask during a property viewing can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure that you’re choosing the right home.
In this blog, we’ll share 5 key questions to ask when viewing a property that will help you get the full picture before making an offer. If you’re looking for first-time buyer tips or guidance on property viewings, you’ve come to the right place.
1. What’s Included in the Sale?
When viewing a property, always ask what’s included in the sale. Are the kitchen appliances staying? What about the garden shed or light fixtures? Clarifying what’s included can save you from any unpleasant surprises down the line.
Tip for First-Time Buyers: Be sure to get a list of inclusions/fixtures and fittings, in writing to avoid confusion when it’s time to complete the sale.
2. How Old Are the Roof, Boiler, and Windows?
Knowing the age and condition of the roof, boiler, and windows is crucial for assessing potential maintenance costs. These key features can be expensive to repair or replace, so it’s essential to understand their lifespan.
Property Viewing Tip: Boilers typically last 10-15 years, roofs can last 20-50 years, and double-glazed windows can last 20-30 years. If these features are older, you may need to budget for replacements soon.
3. Have There Been Any Major Renovations or Extensions?
Always ask if the property has had any major renovations or extensions. This question helps uncover whether the work was done with the necessary permissions and whether it meets building regulations.
Pro Tip: Search for properties with approved planning permissions nearby for extensions if you’re planning to extend your new home. This is a good indicator on whether you’re likely to obtain planning permission for a similar extension on your property. You can usually find this info on the local council’s planning portals.
4. What Are the Running Costs?
Running costs are often overlooked by first-time buyers. When viewing a property, ask about council tax rates, utility bills, and any service charges (for leasehold properties). These costs can vary significantly and impact your monthly budget.
First-Time Buyer Tip: Consider asking for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to get an idea of the property’s energy efficiency, which can affect your utility bills.
5. Why Are the Sellers Moving?
This might seem like a personal question, but understanding the reason for the sale can give you insights into the property’s history and potential issues. It might also reveal the timescale on completion times.
Pro Negotiating Tip: If the property is being sold chain free, then you are likely to complete on the property a lot sooner than if there is an upwards chain.
Conclusion
For first-time buyers in the UK property market, asking the right questions during property viewings is essential for making an informed purchase. From understanding what’s included in the sale to uncovering potential future costs, these five key questions will help you make a confident decision.
At PinDrop Property, we are always at hand to help first-time buyers find their perfect home. If you’re ready to start viewing properties or need expert advice, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today!
