Guide for First-time Home Buyers Viewing Properties: Caveat Emptor

“I’m going for my first viewing. What kind of questions should I ask the estate agent?”

If you are looking to buy a new home, you might be daunted by what you should be checking for and what questions to ask the agent during viewings. Your nervousness is justified, as in the UK, the law caveat emptor means that buyers are responsible for checking a property thoroughly before purchase.

As a professional agency, we know what people miss, and we’ve created a guide to help new buyers. Below are the types of things to look out for and questions to ask. The guidance here can be used by tenants, too, but remember that the advice is geared towards home buyers.

Touching surfaces

If you need to touch any surface, you should always ask for permission — politeness goes a long way!

Maintenance

  • Heating system: what type is used? It could be gas, electricity, both gas and electricity, hot water immersion, etc.
  • Flush the toilet and try out all the taps.
  • Broadband cover: check for yourself whether it reaches all the rooms.
  • Check all the windows, window locks and handles. Does the house feel secure?
  • Look for mould behind curtains and blinds.
  • If there is a balcony, check outside. Look for loose tiles or other trip hazards. Remember to check the door security and function.
  • If there is a garden, check the same as above but also ask about Japanese Knotweed or any other invasive species.
  • Check all plug sockets. Does anything look broken or cracked?
  • If you’re a wheelchair user, check the door width and whether the threshold strips are sturdy.
  • Open cupboard doors, including fitted wardrobes and kitchen drawers — you never know what you might find, such as infestation, broken hinges, etc.

Specific questions to ask the agent

  • If the property is a leasehold, confirm the service charges, ground rent, and lease length.
  • Ask whether any work was done without consent. For example, flats usually can’t have tiles or wooden floors. You may want to confirm what the agent said in writing after the viewing.
  • Ask about the roof material and angle. You may need this for your insurance.
  • Confirm how old the radiators are and when the boiler was last serviced.
  • Find out who the sellers are and why they are selling.
  • Often, the advertised price is not what the sellers are actually going for, and they might be open to negotiation. Find out what the sellers are looking for and their ideal completion time.
  • Remember, what you see from the marketing images may be different from what you see on a visit, and what you get once the transaction is complete. E.g. Are any appliances being left behind? What fixtures and fixings will remain? Don’t leave it to the solicitors to deal with, as they might not!
  • Parking: is there an allocated or shared bay, and how is that monitored, eg parking permission display?
  • What is the neighbourhood like? What are the neighbours like (if they are on the same floor or the property is adjoined)?
  • If there is a garden, ask specifically if any invasive species, like Japanese knotweed, have been dealt with in the past.

External

Check the noise and the security level of the neighbourhood by going a little early, walking around, and also coming back at night. What looks good in daylight may not be okay at night.

Online research

  • Check publicly available data for things like crime rates, school ratings, demographics, and neighbourhood watch schemes. Property Detective is one such website.
  • Check the average broadband and mobile availability. Ofcom offers one.
  • Look for planning permissions near the property. Is major work due to take place? The UK has a search function.
  • Flight path: is the property under one? You can get an idea by visiting websites like Flight Radar 24.
  • Flood risks (where applicable). The Gov.UK site is here.

Are you looking for a competent estate agent? Contact us today on 0203 588 5115 to discuss how we can help you.

Disclaimer: Marybow Property takes all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content. Our website, including the blogs and E-Newsletters, is not legal or financial advice and should not be construed as such. We reserve the right to change the information on this website at any time.