Questions to ask at a viewing

·       Has the house had any major building work done recently?

It’s recommended that you have a full structural survey on a property you’d like to buy, but you can ask some questions before then as well.

You could ask at the viewing if the house has been extended and how long ago that was. Its also good to know some of the basics such as how old the boiler is and whether any electrical updates have been carried out.

·       What’s the parking situation?

If your property doesn’t come with a garage or parking space, you’ll have to work out where you can park. Some areas operate designated parking areas and busy areas/ City centres may have permit parking for residents. 

·       How much will the bills be?

Ask the agent if they know how much the council tax is for the area, and also have a look at the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), available on the property listing, to see how energy efficient the house is.

The EPC will tell you the current rating from A-G and the potential rating it could be if the energy efficiency is improved.

·       Is the property part of a chain?

This may give you a little bargaining power. If a seller has already found their next property, they may be willing to accept a lower offer to ensure that a move happens quickly.

However, if they haven’t, you might become part of a longer chain, so you need to think about how long you’re willing to wait.

·       What’s included in the sale?

Get as much information as you can here. For example, will any white goods, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, be included in the price?

Having these essentials already in the house will make the move feel a lot smoother as you spend the following days and weeks unpacking. If you already have your own white goods you may even be able to make some money by selling what’s been left behind.

·       Who are the neighbours?

How much this answer affects your decision will vary from buyer to buyer. Noisy neighbours who party all night long could be a massive turn off for some people but for others, it might not be such a big deal. Alternatively, a community with really friendly neighbours may make up for any negatives a property has.

·       How fast is the Broadband

If you work from home this could be very important. Ask what speeds are achievable in the area, you could ask if the connection is fibre optic all the way to the property or if its part copper connection.