Looking for a house to buy can be remarkably similar to being in the market for a long-term relationship… You begin with impossibly high aspirations and dreams of the ‘perfect one’. Enter: that old Grinch, reality. You have a look at what’s out there, you may even visit a few, ask what they’re asking for in return… Shock. Horror. Disillusionment. It slowly dawns on you that you may be lonely (or house-free) for longer than you thought.
If you’re ‘lucky’ though, just as all hope seems lost, you find the one you’ve been waiting for. It’s love at first sight (or first viewing). And you’ll do anything – swim across any sea, scale any mountain, to be together.
When it comes to buying a house though, this kind of instant attraction can often blind you to the realities of the situation. You’re so in love with the kitchen splashback, or the feature lights in the entrance hall, that you fail to really pay attention to more important issues. When we let our hearts make such a big, long-term decision, we may also over-extend our finances, or pay more than makes prudent investment sense.
So if you’re in the market for a new home, take heed of the following advice:
1. Take your time
Would you spend just 15 minutes viewing a property that could become your home for many years? Some buyers do – and live to regret it. Take your time working through each point on this list to make sure your choice is a really sound one.
2. Is there damp?
Damp can be a real mood-killer, and money guzzler. The main giveaway signs are a mouldy smell, flaky plaster, and watermarked walls or ceilings.
3. Is the building structurally sound?
Although hairline cracks are hard to avoid, look out for any really big cracks - especially around where extensions join, on boundary walls, and near bay windows. If you see major cracks or have any doubts, it might be worth getting a surveyor to view the property with you.
4. Can this property accept my baggage?
Storage space is a valuable but often overlooked asset. Where will you keep your vacuum cleaner, towels, and storage boxes? Is there room for cupboards or shelves to be built in?
5. Does it have a sunny disposition?
In winter, during a cloudy day or at night, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a north and south facing house – but in summer it can make the difference between a home that is full of light and warmth, and one that is depressingly gloomy.
6. Don’t be duped by the accessories
Cleverly placed mirrors, feature lights, delicious smells, cosy fires, and fresh licks of paint are all superficial ways to make a home seem far more appealing. But these attributes on their own aren’t enough to carry you through both the good and bad times in the years to come – make sure you’re committing to more than just the superficial.
7. Is the plumbing up to scratch?
Ask about the water pressure. Flush the toilets too. Find out if the pipes are insulated, and ensure they are not lead which would have to be replaced.
8. Does it keep good company?
What’s the general area like? Are you near a retail space that could becomes rowdy or busy at certain times of the day? What’s the crime in the area like? Is it close to good schools and public transport? Do other properties in the area sell quickly or stay on the market for long? What price do they fetch? Is it comparable to the asking price on this property?
9. Arrange a second date
If you do like a property, arrange another viewing for a different time of day, and check out the local area a bit more. If you can, take somebody with you who might be able to notice things you don’t.
