03 Jan Remember to ask these seven crucial questions when buying a new home
When you are planning to buy a new home, it’s important to have a list of questions ready to ask vendors and estate agents. If you’re aware as to which questions to ask, you could possibly save yourself time, money, hassle and heartache and hopefully reduce any issues or problems you may encounter along the way. Read on to discover the seven questions we recommend you ask when you start looking for your potential new home.
1. How long has the property been on the market?
This is an important question to start off with because if a property has been languishing on the market for longer than three months and hasn’t sold, you may ask yourself, what is wrong with it? It could be because it has been incorrectly priced for the area or other potential buyers have been put off because it needs some modernisation. It could, however, be a more daunting issue such as extensive structural issues, problems with access or rights of way or something serious such as Japanese knotweed in the garden.
2. Why is the house up for sale?
A buyer doesn’t have to answer this question, but it’s worth asking to see why they are moving. Usual reasons include downsizing, upsizing or relocating, but it’s worth trying to find out because if the sellers want to move quickly, there might be some room for negotiation with the price. Also, if they say they are moving because of a lack of garden space or storage, consider whether these issues may also affect you in the future.
3. What is the local area like?
Evaluating the local area is very important when looking to buy a new home as you will need to feel safe and secure in your new surroundings. It is also advantageous to look at local planning applications, just in case there are changes happening in the local area that you may not be happy to live next to. Also, try and find out what the neighbours are like, you will be living in close proximity to them, so it’s important to try and find out whether you might get along.
4. What is the EPC rating for the property?
5. Has the property had any major changes in its lifetime?
Sellers have to tell potential buyers whether they have completed any major works on the property, but it is also very important to instruct a survey in order to assess the whole structure and fabric of the house and all the work that has ever been undertaken. Companies such as Sam Conveyancing can help with arranging a home buyers survey Watford and elsewhere.
6. What is included in the sale?
It is important to ask what the seller is leaving behind in terms of fixtures and fittings as this may save you money when you come to move in.
7. What council tax band is the property in?
Finally, it is essential to find out which council tax band the property is in to determine how much it will cost you on a monthly basis.
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