Things To Look for When Viewing a Property

It pays to take your time when viewing a property. Buying a house is one of the biggest financial investments you are likely to make  and you will likely spend many years living in your new home so the last thing you want is to rush the process or miss vital elements during a property viewing.

Before you visit the property for a viewing, you should do a few things first. For example, it’s a good idea to research the local area, many websites have statistics on crime and safety. Also, it would help if you considered what local amenities are close by and what the transport links are like.

When you arrive at the property, what are the five crucial things to pay attention to when viewing a house for sale? Please read on to find out.

 

 

Five Things To Look for When Viewing a Property

During a house viewing, pay specific attention to features of the home that you can’t change or are expensive to fix. Here are five:

Signs of damp and mould

Dampness and mould indicate serious issues with the integrity of the property. Therefore, look closely for warning signs of water damage around skirting boards and at the corner of walls and ceilings. Mould problems look like discolouration on ceilings, walls, and floors, bubbling, peeling, or blistering paint or wallpaper.

When viewing a house, another thing to be aware of is freshly painted walls. Although many sellers paint walls to get a home ready for selling, it could also be to hide tell-tale signs of mould.

 

Condition of the plumbing

Look beyond the fancy kitchen and bathroom fittings during a viewing and inspect the plumbing. First, turn on the taps to ensure adequate water pressure and note how long the hot water takes to flow. Then, check under the sinks for signs of water leaks.

It’s also good to determine how old the boiler is, if the pipes are lead and if the plumbing system is suitably insulated. Additionally, a water tank in the loft is probably old and will need removing or replacing.

 

Condition of the windows and paintwork

An essential thing to look for when viewing a house is the condition of the windows.

If the window frames are wooden, check to ensure they are not rotten. Are there signs of condensation between double-glazed panes? If so, there could be an issue with the windows. And how easily do the windows open and close? Windows that are hard to open or close could indicate structural problems.

Remember that replacing windows is a significant expense.

 

Potential cladding issues

Has the property been insulated? If so, it’s crucial to check the quality of the cladding. Some mortgage lenders won’t lend money to buy a flat unless they know what type of cladding was used.

 

Storage space and size of rooms

A crucial yet overlooked feature of inspecting a house before buying is the amount of storage. Therefore, open all cupboards, walk-in closets, and attic space. Adequate storage space can be an issue in newer homes.

It is also good to take a tape measure with you and measure the size of the rooms. Are they large enough to accommodate your furniture? Some property developers remodel property interiors to increase the number of bedrooms. However, this can result in extremely small rooms without adequate wardrobe space.

 

Things To Consider When Viewing a Property To Rent

If you are viewing a house or flat with the purpose of renting, there are a few other things to consider.

For example, what is the length of the tenancy agreement? And will you have the option to extend this when it ends? Additionally, find out if there is an additional service charge for communal areas when renting a flat. This extra cost will add to your monthly outgoings if they are not included in the rent.

 

In Conclusion

Buying or renting a home is a significant financial investment and commitment. Although virtual viewings have their place, it’s always best to view a property in person.

Therefore, you should consider all aspects of the property structure, space, and potential for development. Even though buying or renting a home is an exciting time, try to keep emotions out of it. This way, you can weigh the pros and cons and avoid common mistakes.

Here at Stadium Residential, we are dedicated to ensure all our clients experience a high standard of service. Get in touch with our team today to explore your options.