The BIG (but boring) questions to ask when viewing property – and the real secret to success!

So, you’ve done your research on what it takes to purchase your very first property and you’re on your way to saving a healthy house deposit, now comes the fun part – the property search!

With the average person taking between 3 and 12 months to find their perfect property, the search is one of the lengthier stages of the wider property buying process. But, these things certainly can’t be rushed! Once those properties have been shortlisted and the viewings booked, there’s yet more questions to be asked and deliberations to be made.

In this blog post, we reveal the very practical queries that should be on your lips when viewing a potential first time buy, and the only thing that counts in the end!

What’s the property’s EPC rating?

At a time when energy costs soak up a significant proportion of household funds, how much the property will cost to heat has never been so important. The property’s energy performance certificate (EPC) rating provides vital knowledge as Energy Saving Trust explains:

“Much like the multi-coloured sticker on new appliances, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). They’ll tell you how costly it will be to heat and light your property, and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be.”

By law, anyone who is selling, renting out or building a property must have a valid EPC, unless it is a listed or temporary building.

Are the fireplaces functional?

Speaking of keeping your new home warm and toasty, if the property has any fireplaces, you’ll need to check whether they are in working order.

While the condition of many features, fittings and fixtures – such as light switches, taps, flooring, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors – can be reviewed upon inspection during your viewing, checking if fireplaces and chimneys are functional isn’t so straightforward. The agent showing you around should be able to answer this question or at least enquire with the seller on your behalf.

You should also ask about fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Are they working? Are they mains or battery-powered?

What about the wider heating and electrical systems?

While the EPC rating of the property will tell you potentially how much it would cost to heat and illuminate the property, the health of the systems in charge of undertaking these tasks should also be evaluated.

Ask when the consumer unit was last checked or if the property has been rewired during the seller’s time there. Enquire about the specifications and service history of the central heating system too.

How secure is the property?

If the property has burglar alarms or CCTV installed, do they work? Security measures like these are common additions to the properties of today, and can save you a lot of time, money and stress if they are fully operational.

When was the roof last replaced?

While observing if there are missing or cracked tiles, wonky chimneys, damaged fascias, and poorly maintained drains and gutters will tell you a lot about a roof’s condition, it’s still important to ask this question.

New roofs are costly, and if the property’s roof needs replacing soon, you may need to factor this in when making your offer.

Do I need a permit to park?

If the property you are viewing is blessed with off-road parking or its own garage, on-road parking should still be considered. Whether it’s you or visiting guests that’ll have to park on the road, understanding permit requirements and parking restrictions is vital.

…and the only question that really matters – how does it make you FEEL?

Over the many years we’ve been in the property industry, including during our former life as estate agents, a successful property viewing often comes down to one thing. And surprisingly, it’s not very practical at all!

The vast majority of people actually buy on a ‘hunch’, which means how you feel when viewing is the only thing that really matters. With some careful planning and a little extra investment, all those practical things questioned above can be resolved. The thing that can’t be replicated is the feeling of home. 

Found the property that gives you that special feeling? Get your ducks in a row with a first-time buyer mortgage. Contact our independent mortgage advisors today to get started.