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Within 30-minutes, you are going to need to ask the questions you need to know answers for when viewing a property, to decide if it is the one for you, which is quite incredible!
Naturally, you’ll want to get as many details and as much information as possible; and the best source of these are the current homeowners. They’ll be able to tell you about everything that’s not obvious to the naked eye – be that how long the home has been on the market to any recent renovation works, all of which could make or break your decision to buy.
Here we’ve listed ten of the most important questions… and if you want to take this list with you to your property viewing, you can download and print our useful viewing checklist, by clicking the link below:
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1) How long has the property been on the market?
This question can not only help to determine how quickly you need to act if you like the property, it can also help towards figuring out how much you’re willing to offer. If it has been on the market a while you may be able to negotiate the price more, rather than if it’s only just been listed with a lot of interest already.
You could also ask if the sellers have received any offers. While the estate agent might not disclose the exact amounts of these offers, they often provide enough hints to gauge the competition. Understanding the existing offers can significantly inform your own, allowing you to strategically position your bid.
2) How long have you lived here and why are you moving?
Many avoid this question out of fear of seeming nosey. However, most people will have very reasonable reasons for selling that shouldn’t spark any concern. However, if your sellers haven’t lived there very long and they give an unclear or generic answer about why they want to move so soon, this may raise some alarm bells.
Understanding the seller's reasons for moving could be crucial in your decision-making process. For instance, if the seller is relocating overseas for work, they might be more motivated to sell quickly, which could be a perfect opportunity for you to negotiate a lower price. Knowing the urgency of the seller's situation can give you a significant advantage in negotiations.
Always make this question a priority when viewing or buying a house. The answer not only provides insights into the seller's circumstances but also helps you gauge how these could potentially benefit your purchase terms. Whether it's a need for a quick sale or other pressures on the seller, being informed can help you craft a more effective, tailored offer that might just secure you a better deal.
3) What work has been undertaken on the home?
The answer to this question can help to flag up any major, and potentially ongoing, issues with the property that could cost you down the line. Older properties can carry specific issues such as structural problems or rot which are crucial to identify early.
You could equally find out about any recent works or enhancements that may still be covered under a warranty and are free from wear and tear (e.g., a newly installed boiler), giving you added peace of mind.
If major works have been carried out, such as a loft conversion or extension, you may wish to go away and check that the sellers acquired any necessary planning permissions for the building works. Lack of proper permissions can result in significant future complications, including legal and financial repercussions for the new owner. For instance, without the relevant planning and building regulation consent, you might face delays or even be required to purchase indemnity insurance later on. In extreme cases, you might discover that parts of your newly purchased home need to be demolished.
Practical Steps for Planning Verification:
Check Local Planning Authority Records: Most local authorities maintain an online database where you can search for both granted and refused planning applications. This is a critical step in verifying that all modifications and extensions on the property are legally compliant.
Conduct a Building Survey: Alongside your own checks, having a building survey conducted can reveal if the actual state of the property complies with all legal standards. This is especially important if the property has undergone significant changes.
Your conveyancer’s role in verification: Ensure your conveyancing solicitor checks that all permissions are in place. This will further safeguard you against legal troubles and ensure that all renovations were carried out lawfully.
4) Is the property in a conservation area?
As soon as you view a property you really like, you’ll be racing around it, bursting with ideas and inspirations. Save yourself potential heartache by asking this simple and straightforward question. If the property is listed or in a conservation area, you may be very limited in how far your big plans can go. This is something that will always come to light during the conveyancing process regardless — however, it’s better to know sooner rather than later.
When delving deeper, it's important to understand the specific restrictions that come with a listed property. You could be facing limitations not just on the exterior alterations but, in some cases, on the interior modifications as well. This is especially important if you have significant renovations in mind. Additionally, if the property is nestled within a conservation area, be sure to enquire about the particular constraints that might apply there. This extra step will help you gauge the feasibility of your future plans.
Moreover, don't overlook the possibility of restrictive covenants. These legal obligations might restrict various actions you can take with your new home, from building extensions to altering the façade.
Understanding these aspects upfront not only helps in making an informed decision but also in planning any future developments or enhancements you might be considering. Make sure to gather all this information early on to avoid any surprises down the line.
5) Have you (the sellers) found your next property?
When you're in the process of buying a home, knowing whether the sellers have already secured another property can significantly influence your approach and expectations. If they're already making moves on a new property, they'll be keen to sell up fast so there's no hold up in the chain. This gives you added confidence your purchase should complete and suggests you may have some bargaining power.
However, if they're yet to find somewhere else, there's a greater degree of uncertainty and a risk of endingly up in a long chain. This means your ability to close on the property could be directly impacted by the sellers' success in finding a new home. The uncertainty here doesn't just potentially delay your move—it can also introduce complications in your own housing transition, as you might find yourself needing to align multiple moving schedules.
6) What’s included in the sale?
When considering a property purchase, it's necessary to clearly understand what is included in the sale. You should ask about any white goods, as well as outbuildings like sheds, that the current owner may or may not be planning to take with them. It’s also important to know exactly where the property's perimeter is — this isn’t always as clear as it seems at first glance.
More details of fixtures and fittings will be supplied later when the seller completes the T10 form for your conveyancer. In the meantime, estate agents are obliged to give you details of things that could make a difference to your decision to go ahead with the purchase.
7) What are your favourite and least favourite things about the area?
Asking the current owners about the neighbourhood, particularly if it's one unfamiliar to you, is practically instinctive. When you ask this, you should be aware that homeowners looking to shift a property won’t want to give much away about the area’s less desirable traits, however by asking in this way, you’ll prompt them to reveal a little more.
In addition to personal insights, consider exploring specific aspects of the local area to get a comprehensive view:
Schools: What are the local schools like? Are they well-rated by educational bodies?
Crime Rate: What is the crime rate in this area? Is it considered safe by current residents?
Transport Links: How good are the transport links? What options are available for commuting?
Amenities: Where is the nearest supermarket? How about other essential amenities like hospitals and pharmacies?
Petrol Stations: Is there a conveniently located petrol station?
If you’re new to the area you could also check local forums and visit at different times of the day.
8) How much are the bills?
When evaluating a potential new home, the cost of things like council tax and electricity can seem trivial and tiny while you're weighing up the property's asking price. However, these bills have a huge impact on your budgeting week-to-week and month-to-month, so getting a detailed picture is crucial.
First and foremost, check whether the property’s council tax band has been included in the listing. If this information is absent, don't hesitate to ask the estate agent or seller directly. Knowing the exact council tax band can significantly affect your monthly budgeting.
In addition to council tax, enquire about the utility bills. You can ask the seller to show you recent bills so you can gauge the average monthly cost. Alternatively, you can wait for your conveyancing solicitor to obtain these documents for you. Either way, it's vital to push for exact figures rather than ballpark estimates to avoid surprises later.
Understanding these costs upfront will help you make a more informed decision and ensure that your new home is affordable in the long term.
9) What are the internet speeds and phone reception like here?
Being connected matters more than ever in the world of today; internet speeds and phone reception are now make-or-break factors when determining whether a property works around your lifestyle. To ensure you’re well-informed about the connectivity in your potential new home, start by asking the estate agent about the available broadband providers and the signal strength at the property.
Additionally, it’s wise to independently verify this information. Use tools like the Ofcom broadband and mobile coverage checker to assess the broadband speeds and mobile signal yourself. This approach; consulting both the estate agent and conducting your own checks will provide a comprehensive understanding of the connectivity options and reliability at the new address.
10) Can we come back again?
Most agents will always recommend you view a property at least twice before making any big decisions. Allow yourself some time to cool off and assess what you’ve seen and heard, so discuss with the current owners about coming back in a few days’ time. If possible, aim for a different time of day, when you can see the property from a different light and perspective. This question may also prompt the homeowners to offer up information on any other interested parties.
While scheduling your second visit, you could also ask, "Which way does the property face?" This detail is not just a minor consideration—it affects your daily experience in the home. For instance, if you relish the idea of evening drinks on the terrace, a north-facing property might disappoint you as the sun could disappear hours earlier. Alternatively, if you love being greeted by the morning sun, look for a property that faces south-east. Consider which rooms you'll use the most and check their orientation. This will ensure that your living spaces align with your lifestyle preferences, enhancing your enjoyment of the home.
Property listing information
You can find a lot of information on the property listing online or from the estate agent.
If the next 2 items are missing from this information check with the seller or estate agent during your viewing.
Is the property is Freehold or Leasehold?
If this information has not already been given to you by the estate agent or stated in the listing then check at your viewing with the current owner.
Property tenure is described as either Freehold or Leasehold:
Freehold: You own the building and the land it stands on outright. This is often seen as the preferable form of ownership because it typically involves fewer ongoing costs and fewer restrictions.
Leasehold: Most flats in the UK fall under this category. With leasehold, you own the property for the length of the lease agreement with the freeholder. It's important to check how long the lease is and be aware of any service charges or ground rents that apply.
If you're considering a leasehold property, be aware that this can sometimes involve additional fees after purchase. For information and ideas of more detailed questions to ask when viewing a leasehold property read our article.
What is the property’s Energy Efficiency rating?
It’s important to inquire about the property's energy efficiency. A key indicator of this is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC rating, which tells you how energy efficient the property is, can be influenced by a number of factors. Consider asking:
Is there loft insulation?
Does the property have double glazing?
When were these features installed?
Are the pipes covered with lagging?
Understanding these elements will not only give you a clearer picture of your potential energy costs but also reflect the overall upkeep of the property. The answers can help you gauge how well the previous owners have maintained the home and what improvements might be necessary if you decide to purchase.
This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, and there are many more questions you’ll need to ask of yourself than of the current homeowners. For more information about what happens next, should you choose to make an offer, read our guide to the home buying process.
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Found the house of your dreams?
If you do move forward with a property purchase, you’ll need to appoint a conveyancer to carry out all the necessary legal work for you.
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