13 questions you must ask when buying a house according to estate agents --[Reported by Umva mag]

BUYING a house is the most expensive purchase most of us will ever make.

Yet a fifth of house hunters confess to spending less than 20 minutes viewing a property before making an offer, according to Zoopla. 

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Before you make an offer on a property, here’s 13 questions you must ask during a viewing, according to the estate agents. 

How long has the property been on the market?

This nugget of information will help you gauge how hard a bargain you can drive should you want to make an offer.

You should also ask if they have had any viewings so far, if they have received any offers and are they open to negotiations.

Marie Wilmot, director of estate agency My Property Box, said: “If the property has been on the market for six months and has already been reduced in price, or if a previous sale has fallen through, the seller might be more open to an offer than someone who has just listed their house for sale last week and received lots of interest.” 

Why is it being sold?

Common reasons are up and downsizing or relocating for work.

If the owners are getting divorced, however, this could indicate they need a quick sale and are open to offers below the asking price. Don’t expect the seller to tell you whole truth, however.

“You need to read between the lines and do your own research,” said Marie.

“No-one is going to say they are moving because they have nightmare neighbours.

“Look at next door’s garden. If it is not in great condition, that’s a red flag.”

Is the seller in a chain?

If you’re a buyer in need of a quick purchase, you may want to avoid sellers in a lengthy complex chain. Be sure to find out their situation before making an offer.

What items are going to be left behind?

Don’t assume what the vendor will include in the sale, ask them upfront. Some sellers take everything from carpets to light fittings.

Although you will receive a list of items from your solicitor, this is much later in the process after you have already made an offer.

If you’re viewing apartments, what is the remaining length of the lease? 

Peter Greatorex, owner of agency The Apartment Company, said: “If it’s below 90 years, your apartment will be harder to sell or remortgage in the future.

“The cost of extending a lease can be substantial so it is crucial to know how much this would cost in advance.”

We recently revealed how homebuyers are getting increasingly fussy about lease length, with some estate agents saying 120 years is now considered short.

Make sure to check if you’re buying a leasehold and if so, what the lease length is and how much any extension would cost.

Your estate agent should be able to provide this information for you on request.

How old is the boiler?

If the boiler is on its last legs, you will be facing a bill of thousands of pounds to upgrade it not long after you move in. You can factor this cost into your offer or post-move budget.

Is there any history of flooding?

Living near a river may look picturesque but as flooding becomes more prevalent, if your property is in a flood risk area this will increase the cost of your insurance and result in expensive repair bills.

Does the property comply with the Fire Safety Act 2022? 

Flammable cladding on high rise apartments is still an issue in some developments and has yet to be made safe.

Ask the owners if they have the necessary certificate, known as an EWS1 form, which proves the building has undergone a fire safety assessment.

Without one, you will be unable to get a mortgage and you risk living in an unsafe building. 

We recently revealed how one homeowner had been lumbered with a flat they couldn’t sell after they couldn’t get an EWS1 form due to poor cladding.

If you’re viewing a period property, it is a listed building?

If your property is listed, it can make it harder to make changes or get certain work done, which could be a pain down the line.

Rupert Oliver of Rupert Oliver Property Agents said: “If the building is listed, there are certain improvements you may not be allowed to make. Installing double glazing is a good example.

“You need to apply for listed building consent which is often declined. Without well insulated windows it becomes expensive to heat an old house.”

Are there footpaths or bridleways on or near the property?

Duncan Ley, of Humberts Cornwall said: “While you might enjoy countryside walks, having ramblers frequently passing through your property could impact your privacy.

“If the land borders fields or open countryside, check whether there are any established rights of way, as this can affect how much control you have over access to your land.”

What is the broadband like? 

In rural areas, broad band can be patchy. Ask the seller for current broadband speed and check if the area has access to fibre optic or high-speed internet services.

“Quality broadband is essential if you work from home, your children enjoy gaming or if you all enjoy platforms such as Netflix,” said Duncan.

“A fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for virtual meetings, online gaming and smooth video streaming.

“Checking up on the broadband quality before you make an offer can save you from potential frustration if the connection isn’t strong enough to support your lifestyle or work needs.”

Are there pending planning applications nearby?

Looking for a room with a view? That could all be spoiled if building work has been approved near to the boundaries of the property, not to mention the noise.

You can check the Government’s website to see if there are any projects planned near the property’s postcode. 

If you’re buying a leasehold property, is there a sinking or contingency fund for ongoing maintenance?

Contingency funds are often on top of other monthly service fees you have to pay with a leasehold to cover unexpected bills.

“This is usually a cost over and above your monthly service charge,” explained Peter.

“It means if there’s an emergency repair you are not going to get lumbered with a £5,000 bill. There should be enough saved in the pot to cover it.”

Ask how much is saved in the fund and what your regular contribution would be. 

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