Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced homeowner, buying a new house can be one of the most exciting but most stressful experiences of your life.
There are so many things to organize, such as getting a great mortgage deal, finding a solicitor, having the property valued and surveyed etc.
And that is before you can even think about moving in! Once you have found the perfect property, a thorough survey carried out by a qualified surveyor should highlight any major problems, but using these tips on purchasing a home to check some details yourself would not hurt.
Council tax bands Check which local authority the property falls under, as council tax bills can vary greatly depending on band and district and you will need to factor this into your monthly budget.
Rising damp Although the property survey should pick up on this it does not hurt to check yourself, particularly with older properties, which were not required to contain a damp-proof course by law.
Wiring Electrical safety standards were introduced in January 2005 to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities caused by faulty wiring, but again, this may not apply to older properties so consider commissioning a qualified professional to conduct a survey.
Safety of the area Try visiting or walking around the area at night and test if you feel safe.
Your instincts should be a good indicator! You can also check what your insurance premiums would be for covering against theft and vandalism.
Neighbors and noise Visit the area both at night and during the day and check for things like noise from surrounding houses, train lines, busy roads, flight paths, wind turbines and nearby pubs, nightclubs or stadiums, all of which can become major sources of irritation over time.
Car Parking If the property has a garage, ensure your car will fit with ample space to open the doors.
If you have to park on the street, you can use the internet to research local police crime statistics regarding car theft and break-ins based on your postcode.