When you’re buying a new home, there are a lot of details to take in, which can be difficult to remember or notice on your first look around the potential property of your dreams. To help you out with knowing what to look for, here’s a short list of tips on which details to really consider when selecting and viewing your potential new home.
“It’s so easy to see the best parts of a property when you view it for the first and sometimes even the second time, but to be sure you’re making the best decision, a checklist can be a useful tool when it comes to saying yes or no,” said London Bridge estate agent, Garrett Whitelock. “Even a quick list on your smartphone can be enough to help you notice important details that could be the difference between you making the right purchase and the wrong one”
The property structure
Unless you’re planning on knocking the property down once you’ve bought it, then you’ll need to be confident that its structurally sound. Of course, a surveyor will do this officially. But, you can also make a fair judgement of your own – if you look around carefully.
Don’t be afraid to touch the walls and if possible, take a look at the roof from the front and the back of the property. Open and shut doors to see if they close properly and look around the corners of the ceiling for any signs of movement – or cracks. Some cracks are normal and totally fine. But, if you see a really big one and things don’t look, or fee quite right, then listen to those alarm bells.
If you still love the property but are unsure if it’s structurally sound, then try and arrange for an expert opinion – preferably free of charge – before you take your interest any further.
Physical location
Where the property is located is almost as important as whether or not its structurally sound – after all, you can’t move it.
If your dream location is a bit on the pricey side, or properties just don’t come up for sale there very often, then it might be worthwhile investigating other areas.
Have a look at what’s on offer nearby and visit the area at different times of the day. If you like what you see, view a property or two and compare them to what’s available in your number one location. You might get a pleasant surprise.
“Location is so important when it comes to buying a home, but sometimes, you can end up in an area that wasn’t even on your list when you began your search,” said Andrew Reeves. “Only with some research and taking a good look around and area and potential properties can you be certain you’re buying the best property in the right area for your needs.”
Can the property be improved
Now, not everyone is a keen property renovator. But, buying a home that has scope for improvement is good planning for the future. Even if you’re searching for your forever home and don’t want to carry out any significant works, at some point in the future, the property will likely be sold.
That means if there’s room for improvement, extensions, to buy a nearby plot of land or to enlarge a room, then it could appeal to broader potential future audience. It doesn’t need to be a number one consideration. But, if there’s the potential to add value – either for you or a future owner – then it’s a good box to tick on your requirement list.
Value for money
This is something that means different things to different people. It can also depend on which part of the country you’re in. But, when you’re spending hundreds of thousands of pounds, you need to know you’re getting value for money on your investment.
This could mean:
- There’s scope for improvement (as discussed above).
- You’re getting more space than you thought you would.
- Off street parking is included.
- You’ve got excellent transport links for your personal requirements.
- The property is peaceful but well-located for the places you frequent.
There are many ways to measure this. But, the important detail is that you feel it’s value for money for your needs, wants and level of investment.
“Value for money is an important detail, when making such a significant purchase and even if you need to search for a little longer than you originally expected, you should only buy a home at a price you’re happy with,” said Best Gapp.
