Questions to Ask During a House Viewing

by James Powell

Questions to Ask During a House Viewing

1. Why is the owner selling?

Gain insights into the motivation behind the sale, which can provide context about the urgency and potential negotiation points.

2. How long has the property been on the market?

Understanding the duration can help gauge any potential issues and be useful in negotiations.

3. How much interest has there been in the property?

Assessing the level of interest can indicate the property's appeal and whether there are underlying issues.

4. Have any major renovations been done?

Learn about recent renovations to understand the condition and improvements made to the property.

5. Have the sellers had any offers?

Knowing about previous offers, especially if declined, can reveal valuable information about the property.

6. What exactly is included in the sale?

Clarify what fixtures and fittings are included to avoid surprises after moving in.

7. Which way does the property face?

Determine the orientation for sunlight in the garden or main living areas.

8. How old is the property?

Consider the age of the property as it can indicate potential maintenance needs.

9. Have there been any problems with the boiler or other appliances?

Understand the condition and age of essential appliances to anticipate potential future costs.

10. Can you move the furniture and have a peek under the rugs?

Check for hidden issues that might be concealed under large furniture or rugs.

11. Is the property leasehold or freehold?

Understand the property's tenure, as it can have implications on ownership and additional charges.

12. How much is council tax and other utility bills?

Know the yearly charges and utility costs to factor into your monthly living expenses.

13. Does the property have planning permission for extensions or major renovations?

Check for existing planning permissions or restrictions, especially if you have future renovation plans.

14. Is the property listed or in a conservation area?

Understand any restrictions on changes for properties in listed or conservation areas.

15. Is there a property chain involved?

Know the position of the property in the chain to anticipate potential delays in the moving process.

16. What's the neighbourhood like?

Understand the local area's atmosphere and amenities.

17. Are there local schools and how are they rated?

Research the quality of nearby schools using official tools to assess their impact on property value.

18. How convenient are transport links and public transport?

Evaluate the accessibility of transportation options.

19. Are there any local plans or planned developments that could affect the property?

Check for future developments or changes in the local area.

20. What are the neighbours like?

Get a sense of the community dynamics by inquiring about the neighbours.

21. Do you have any issues with noisy neighbours? 

Address concerns about potential noise issues in the neighbourhood.

22. How long have the current owners lived there? 

Longevity of residency can indicate satisfaction with the property and local area.

23. Ask about the water pressure: 

Test the water flow in bathrooms and kitchens to assess the plumbing health.

24. How is the broadband and mobile signal in the house? 

Confirm the quality of internet and mobile connectivity.

25. Ask about the property's energy performance rating: 

Seek information on the property's energy efficiency rating for future cost considerations.


Sources from Net Lawman

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