Most buyers see a property once, perhaps twice, before deciding whether to offer. In that time it is easy to get distracted by the furniture, the light or the size of the garden and forget to ask the questions that actually affect your decision. Here are the twelve we suggest every buyer asks, grouped by what they reveal.
About the sale itself
1. Why is the owner selling? You will not always get a full answer, but it helps you understand how motivated the seller is. A seller who has already bought elsewhere may value speed over the last few thousand pounds.
2. How long has it been on the market, and has the price changed? A home that has been listed for months, or reduced more than once, may leave more room for negotiation. A home that has just come on may already have several viewings booked.
3. Is there a chain? Ask whether the seller needs to find somewhere to buy, and whether they have found it. Every link in a chain adds time and risk.
4. What is included in the sale? Curtains, light fittings, white goods and garden sheds are all negotiable. Get the answer in writing on the fixtures and fittings form later, but ask early so there are no surprises.
About the building
5. How old are the boiler and the roof? These are two of the most expensive things to replace. A boiler more than fifteen years old or a roof that has never been recovered is worth budgeting for.
6. Has there been any damp, subsidence or flooding? The seller has to answer honestly on the property information form, but asking in person often gets you more detail. Look for fresh paint in odd places, such as low down on one wall.
7. What is the EPC rating? The Energy Performance Certificate tells you roughly how much the home costs to heat and what improvements are recommended. It is a quick way to compare two homes that look similar.
8. Have any extensions or alterations been done, and is there paperwork? Loft conversions, removed walls and new windows usually need building regulations sign-off. Missing paperwork can delay a sale and sometimes affects a mortgage offer.
About living there
9. What are the neighbours like, and has there been any dispute? Disputes about boundaries, noise or parking must be declared, but the general feel of the street is something you can only learn by asking and by walking around.
10. What are the running costs? Ask for the council tax band and typical energy bills. For flats, ask about service charges and ground rent and whether any major works are planned.
11. How is the phone signal and broadband? Check your own phone during the viewing. Broadband speeds for the address can be checked online before you go.
12. What is the area like at different times of day? A quiet road at 11am may be a rat run at 8am. If you are serious about a home, walk past it again on a weekday morning and on a Friday evening.
After the viewing
Write down your answers while they are fresh, along with anything you noticed but did not ask about. If you are still interested, book a second viewing at a different time of day and bring someone who will look at the property with less emotion than you. Then speak to your mortgage adviser and conveyancer before making an offer, so you know how quickly you can move if it is accepted.
If you want to see any of the homes on this site, use the viewing form on the listing page and pick a date and time that suits you. We will confirm by email within one working day.
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