House-hunting can be overwhelming at the best of times. As well as aesthetics, kerb appeal and location to consider, the more practical aspects of a property can help you choose the right one for you and your family. Drawing up checklist of key questions to ask the agent, or homeowner, can help you decide whether you’d like to make an offer or proceed with another viewing.
Here’s a handy list of points to consider when embarking on your house-viewing journey. You can print out your chosen checklist to take with you on viewing day.
General
How long has the house been on the market for?
Have the current owners lived there long?
Is there a specific reason they are selling?
Have there been any offers so far?
Do the owners have a timeline in mind for moving?
Local Area
What are the catchment area schools like?
What shops/cafes/restaurants/amenities are close by?
What are the best transport and commuter link options available?
Are there any new developments planned in the area?
The House
What items are included in the sale?
Are there any problems with the roof or has it ever been replaced?
Has there ever been water ingress at the property?
Has any renovation work done and, if so, what was the date of works carried out?
When was the boiler installed and last serviced?
What is the water pressure like?
Where is the kitchen from? (handy to know in case any doors or shelves need replacing in future)
What are the neighbours like and is there much noise?
Are there keys for all the windows?
How big is the attic? Is there potential for extension, have any neighbours done similar?
Which direction does the garden face and how much sunlight does it get at different times of the day?
Bills and Tech
Are there any factor or landscaping fees attached to the property?
What broadband networks are available in the area?
Is there good mobile phone coverage?
Does the property have a smart meter?
Who is the current energy provider?
What are the energy bills like?
What council tax band is the property in?
If the neighbourhood is new to you, it’s worth driving around to get a feel for the area and to see how the traffic is at different times of the day. It can be helpful to tie this in with multiple viewings, one daytime and one evening to get a good overview of the house and its surroundings.
If the neighbourhood is new to you, it’s worth driving around to get a feel for the area and to see how the traffic is at different times of the day. It can be helpful to tie this in with multiple viewings, one daytime and one evening to get a good overview of the house and its surroundings.
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