While buying property is hugely exciting, it is an important task that you must get right. Purchasing a property is likely to be the biggest investment you make in your life and while you can never feel 100% certain about buying property, you can make an informed decision.
At Hunters Camberwell, we are pleased to say we have helped many people buy a home, and we know what is important in the buying process. If you are keen to feel more confident when you view properties, here are our top 5 things to look for when buying property.
Find out the condition of the roof
The standard and quality of the roof are hugely important to a home, making it an essential item for buyers to consider. You should look to ensure that the roof is in reliable condition, that it is made of dependable material that can withstand challenging weather conditions and you should even consider how old the roof is.
Many people have found that having a new roof on their property has helped them to save money when it comes to their property insurance. This is unlikely to be the main focus of your search when you review a new property but any opportunity you have to save money should be considered a positive thing.
Focus on the temperature of the home
You want to make sure that your new home is comfortable, and this means you want a home that is warm and welcoming. Individuals will likely have their own preference for an ideal temperature, but no one wants to see heat escaping from their home. This is an inefficient use of energy and it wastes money.
Therefore, you should review the insulation of the home, taking time to check window frames and door frames for any cracks or gaps. You also want to ensure that the heating system is in full working order. If there is a boiler in the home, make sure you check that it is in good condition because it can be expensive and inconvenient to replace a boiler.
Is there a lot of storage space?
Storage space is vital and the availability (or lack of availability) is likely to be an issue in deciding whether a home is right for you. The more storage space you have at your disposal, the tidier you can keep your home, helping you to relax and feel more comfortable.
It is always possible to invest in external storage solutions so this may not be a deal-breaker for some buyers, but it will impact on your use of and enjoyment of your home.
Turn every switch and light
A lot of the focus when viewing property falls on the big aspects of the home, but you should consider the minor aspects too. Take the time to check every switch, tap, light and even all windows and doors.
If these areas cause problems, there may be bigger problems hiding away.
What are the neighbourhood and community like?
While you should mainly focus on the home, you also want to find a property where you feel welcome. This is often down to the surrounding areas, the facilities and the neighbours as much as the house itself. Therefore, you need to review the local area and speak to the vendor about the neighbours.
If you don’t like what you see and hear, you may need to consider whether this house is the right one for you.
It is extremely unlikely you will find a perfect house. Therefore, you need to know what issues or faults you are comfortable with and which items are completely unacceptable to you. At Hunters Camberwell, we are here to help you find your ideal home and if you’re ready to look at a property, get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist you.
