Viewing a property that could become your new home is always exciting, especially if it’s a property that looks great on paper that you might already have your heart set on. Whilst listening to your gut feeling is important, detaching enough to allow you to think objectively when viewing a property is just as important.
Here, we outline 4 key things to consider when you’re viewing a property you're thinking of purchasing.
Look for signs of damp
Even newer properties can suffer from damp, so as you walk around the house have a good look at the walls and lower down towards the skirting board. Any dark patches or musty smells are a tell-tale sign of damp, which could be expensive to put right.
One of the reasons a survey is so important is that they can pick up on such potential problems that aren’t always obvious, helping to ensure there are no nasty surprises.
Listen carefully
Depending on the location of the property you’re looking at and the age and type of building, you might find some big differences in noise.
Whilst it’s our sense of vision that’s generally going to be working overtime during a viewing, it’s vitally important to engage your other senses too. Just as musty smells can be a sign of damp, so excessive road noise could be the result of a house on, or close to a busy road or it could perhaps signify that the glazing isn’t great.
Consider too the time of time of day you’re visiting. During rush hour you might get more road traffic noise that is much less noticeable at other times of the day, or if the house isn’t detached, you might hear dogs barking or children running around next door throughout the day and early in the morning. Alternatively, the property might be close to a school, commercial premises or even a sporting venue all of which are likely to generate noise at more limited but very specific times of day.
If unsure, ask the current owners how problematic they regard any noise that can routinely be heard indoors or in the garden, and try to pre-empt a busy (noisy) time of day so you can time your viewing to coincide. That way you’ll know the worst of the noise you’ll have to contend with.
Have a good look at the garden
Of course, you’re going to want to look at the garden, but looking out of the window or simply standing on the patio and having a quick look around isn’t enough.
The aim is to pay attention to the state of patios, paths, fences and gates. Have fences been painted or stained and do they look strong and like they’re in a good state of repair? Are the patio slabs all firm and unbroken? Is the decking looking like it has been well cared for?
Of course, replacing the odd fence panel or repairing a broken gate isn’t too big a deal, but more extensive jobs, like extensive landscaping or crumbling sheds or outbuildings, could be costly to remove, repair or replace so do think objectively about the size and state of repair of the garden.
Do make sure you're aware of the damage that some plants can cause too, pretty and innocent-looking bamboo can spread rapidly, taking root throughout a garden with an extensive spread that can be quite difficult to remove should it start to cause damage to paths, fences or neighbouring properties.
Similarly, ensure you're aware of Japanese Knotweed and also be on the lookout for any very large trees that could be blocking light or causing property damage.
Evaluate the parking
If you’re looking at property in a city or it’s a cottage or house that doesn’t have its own private driveway, you’ll want to get a clear understanding of the parking situation. Is it easy to find a space? Are there permit holder zones for residents only that guarantee you’ll always have a space?
Find out how much a parking permit will cost, particularly if you live in a multi-car household and if there are no parking restrictions but you don’t have a driveway, consider whether shoppers, parents doing the school run or office workers might potentially choose to park outside the property you’re looking at.
If you're planning to move home, you can get an fast and free online conveyancing quote here.