Find the right property for you

Start by finding a local estate agent or two in the area you are looking to buy your new home in. Talk to them, see what properties they have on their books and get your name on their mailing lists so they'll tell you straight away as soon as new properties come onto the market.

Once you have an idea of the kind of property you'd like and can afford, you will need to contact and visit a number of estate agents. Bear in mind that the agent is working for the seller, not you. They do have to comply with the Trades Description Act, however, which means that all the property details they give to you must be clear, accurate and not misleading.

What should I look out for when viewing a property?

Whatever your priorities may be, try and get them clear in your mind before you start looking for a property. Here are some immediate things you may like to consider, but you'll probably have plenty more of your own:

Things to consider

Location - Urban, suburban or rural?

Size - How big does the house / garden need to be?

Local Amenities - How close are the public transport networks /local schools / shopping centres / bars?

Commuting - How far away is your job? And how's the local transport?

Neighbourhood - Are you after a bustling neighbourhood or a peaceful one?

Surrounding Area - Are there, or could there be, developments nearby?

Council Tax Band - Check which one your property will be in.

Bills

• What is the cost of Council Tax? (You can find out at upmystreet.com)

Council tax: £

• What are the average costs for bills? (Copies of the bills may be available)

Gas: £

Water: £

Electricity: £

Location

• What are the local amenities like? Shops, hospitals, leisure facilities, etc.
• How good, or near, is the public transport?
• Are the local schools good?
• Are there any known plans for development in the area?
• Is the surrounding area run down?
• What condition are the neighbouring properties in?

Crime

• What is the crime level like in the area?
• Has the property ever been burgled or vandalised?

Neighbours

• What are the neighbours like? Are they noisy?
• Has there ever been a dispute with the neighbours
• (or anyone living nearby)?

Noise

• Are there any schools or businesses nearby that would cause noise at
• different times of the day (even in the early hours of the morning)?
• Is the house on a route to / from a pub or club?

Viewing checklist - inside the property

Heating

• Does the house have full central heating? If so, how old is it?
• How is the water heated? Combination boiler or tank?
• Have there been any problems with the boiler? When was it last serviced by a Corgi engineer?
• Has the loft been insulated? If so, how long ago?
• Does the property have cavity wall insulation?
• Are there any signs of water damage to the floor?
• Is there any obvious mould? If so, where?
• Is there an extractor fan?
• How old is the bathroom?
• Is the floor tiled or carpeted?
• Does the plumbing run underneath the floor?

Living room / Dining room

• Is there a fireplace / open chimney? Is it in use or sealed?
• Can you re-open it if you wanted to?
• Are any carpets or curtains / blinds included in the sale?
• Is there a telephone point?
• Is there a connection for a TV aerial socket?
• Are you able to have hard flooring if you want?
• (Be mindful of your new neighbours if you're looking at a flat)

Bedroom(s)

• Are any of the wardrobes included in the sale?
• Are there any other fixtures or other fittings included in the sale
• e.g. curtains, light shades?

Viewing checklist - outside the property

Parking

• Is there off-road parking?
• If not, are you able to park outside the house?
• Do you need a permit to park?
• Is there a shared driveway? Is there access to or from it?

Security

• Is there a burglar alarm fitted?
• Does the property have good door and window locks?

 Roof

• Are there any slates missing?
• What state is the chimney in?
• Does the roof sag? (This is a sign of subsidence)
• When was it last tiled?

Guttering

• Is there any guttering missing? Are the fixtures secure?
• Does the guttering have any mould growing on it?

 Walls

• Are there any cracks in the walls?
• Can you see the damp above soil level?

Garden

• What garden features are included in the sale? (Shed for example)
• Does the garden get sun? (The best is a south-facing garden)
• Are there any trees nearby that could harm the property's foundations?
• Which boundary perimeter is your responsibility?
• Is it a shared garden with other occupiers? If so, have you access rights?
• Have there been any recent disputes with neighbours over boundaries?
• If you've got fencing, is it sound and solid or does it need replacing?
• What is access like to the garden? Can you secure the access?

Windows

• Is the house double-glazed? (This can be a substantial cost)
• What state are the window frames in? Are they rotten or mouldy?

Remember if you spot anything you are concerned about, you can always raise concerns with your surveyor.

The value of a second viewing

Once you've decided this is the property for you, it's always worth visiting the property for a second time, this time paying more attention to the specific details. You may find it handy to take a camera and tape measure with you, to take pictures for reference, check key measurements and finalise where furniture would go and that it will all fit.

If you've had an offer accepted on the property and have received the surveyors report, it is the ideal time to check any areas of concern that may be picked up on the survey report.

If possible, it's a good idea to vary the time of your second viewing to give you a chance to see if there is any difference in noise levels from either traffic, neighbours or local businesses since you first viewed. An evening visit is always worthwhile so you can see what the local street lighting is like and if it's intrusive.