The hunt for a new home throws up a lot of emotions - excitement, frustration, desperation, eagerness to name a few. It's important to try keep on top of these emotions as you go through the process of finding your next home.
It's especially important to keep the emotions in check when viewing a house. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference. With the help of modern property tech and real estate apps (we'll explore this later), you can streamline your search and keep track of important details. But nothing beats being prepared with the right questions when you're standing in what could be your future home.
The importance of asking questions
First, lets take a step back and address a crucial point: never be afraid to ask questions during a house viewing. Remember, buying a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. It's far better to ask and find out quickly than to not ask and potentially make an expensive mistake later.
Estate agents, realtors and sellers expect questions. In fact, they often appreciate them as it shows you're a serious buyer. Your curiosity demonstrates that you're doing your due diligence, which is essential in such a significant transaction.
Some buyers worry about appearing too nosy or demanding. However, it's important to remember that you're considering investing hundreds of thousands of pounds/dollars/euros in this property. You have every right to gather all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Moreover, asking questions can sometimes reveal information that the seller or estate agent might not voluntarily disclose. While they are legally obligated to be truthful if asked directly, they might not proactively share certain details unless prompted.
Our advice is simple. Approach your house viewing with confidence and armed with the right questions. You'll be better equipped to make a sound decision about your potential new home.
Essential questions to Ask at a house viewing
Now, let's explore the 15 crucial questions you should ask during a house viewing. Each of these questions is designed to help you gather vital information about the property, its surroundings, and its potential as your future home.
1. How long has the property been on the market?
This question can provide valuable insights into the property's desirability and potential issues.
If a house has been on the market for an extended period, it could indicate that it's overpriced or that there are underlying problems deterring buyers. Conversely, a property that's only been listed for a short time might suggest it's in high demand. Understanding the property's market history can help you gauge its value and potentially strengthen your negotiating position.
Don't take the data you see on a property listing for granted - the property could have been re-listed so ask the seller.
2. What's included in the sale or rental?
It's crucial to have a clear understanding of exactly what you're getting for your money. This question helps clarify which fixtures, fittings, and appliances are included in the property sale or rental agreement. From white goods like refrigerators and washing machines to built-in wardrobes, garden sheds, or even light fittings – knowing what stays and what goes can significantly impact your budget and moving plans.
Don't assume anything is included unless it's explicitly stated. Equally feel free to make an offer with any items you explicitly want included as part of that offer.
3. How old are the major systems and appliances in the house?
The age of key components like the boiler, central heating system, electrical wiring, plumbing, windows, and roof can have a substantial impact on your future expenses. Older systems may need replacement sooner, which could mean significant costs down the line. On the other hand, recently updated systems can be a big plus. This information helps you budget for potential future replacements and maintenance, and can also be a point of negotiation in the purchase price.
4. Are there any known issues with the property?
While sellers are legally required to disclose major issues, it's always worth asking this question directly. It could reveal problems that might not be immediately visible during a viewing, such as past flooding, subsidence, or issues with neighbours. Even minor problems like a leaky tap or a draft from a window are worth knowing about. This information can help you make a more informed decision and potentially save you from costly surprises after moving in.
5. Has any major work been carried out on the property recently?
This question can reveal valuable information about the property's condition and any improvements that have been made. Recent renovations or structural changes could be a positive sign, potentially saving you from having to do work yourself. However, it's important to ensure that any significant work has been carried out properly and with the necessary approvals. Ask to see relevant planning permissions and building regulations approvals for any major work. This can protect you from legal issues down the line and ensure the work meets safety standards.
6. What are the neighbours like?
While estate agents might be limited in what they can say due to privacy concerns, this question can potentially reveal important information about the neighbourhood. Are the neighbours friendly? Is it a quiet area or more lively? Are there any ongoing disputes? The answers can give you a sense of the community you'd be joining and whether it aligns with your lifestyle. Remember, you're not just buying a house, but also becoming part of a neighbourhood.
7. What's the parking situation like?
Parking can be a major factor in your day-to-day life, especially in urban areas. If the property doesn't have designated parking, ask about local parking restrictions, permits, and availability. Is it easy to find a spot near the house? Are there any upcoming changes to parking regulations in the area? For properties with private parking, clarify if it's included in the sale and whether there are any associated costs or restrictions.
Even if you don't drive this is important for guests and receiving deliveries. Not least parking can be a contentious and emotive issue that leads to disputes with neighbours.
8. How's the local transport infrastructure?
Good transport links can significantly impact your quality of life and potentially the future value of the property. Inquire about nearby public transport options – bus routes, train stations, or underground stops. Ask about the frequency and reliability of these services. If you're a driver, ask about major road links and typical commute times to key locations. This information is crucial for planning your daily life in the new home and understanding its connectivity to important places like your workplace or children's schools.
While you can do research online for this its worth asking.
9. Are there any planned developments in the area?
Future developments in the area can have a significant impact on your property's value and your quality of life. New housing estates, shopping centres, or transport links could increase the area's desirability and potentially your property's value. However, they could also lead to increased traffic or noise. Conversely, the closure of local amenities could negatively impact the area. Ask about any known plans for the neighbourhood, both positive and negative, to get a sense of how the area might change in the coming years.
10. What's the council tax band for the property?
Council tax can be a significant monthly expense, so it's important to factor this into your budget when considering a property. The amount you pay depends on the property's valuation band, which is determined by its value at a specific point in time. Ask about the current band and the approximate monthly or annual cost. This information will help you calculate your total monthly outgoings more accurately and avoid any nasty surprises after moving in.
11. How energy efficient is the property?
Energy efficiency can have a big impact on your monthly bills and your carbon footprint. Ask to see the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if applicable in your locale, which provides information about the property's energy use and typical energy costs. A more efficient home can save you money on bills in the long run. If the property isn't very efficient, consider asking about the potential for improvements like better insulation or a more efficient heating system. These could be negotiating points or future projects to budget for.
12. Are there any service charges or ground rent (for leasehold properties)?
If you're considering a leasehold property, such as a flat, it's crucial to understand all the associated costs. Service charges cover the maintenance of communal areas and can vary significantly between properties. Ground rent is paid to the freeholder for the land the property stands on. Ask for details of current charges and any planned increases. These additional costs can add up substantially, so it's important to factor them into your budget when considering the affordability of the property.
13. Why are the current owners selling?
While sellers may not always give you the full story, the answer to this question can provide valuable insights. Are they moving for a new job? Downsizing? Or is there something about the property or area that's prompting them to leave? The reason for selling might reveal information about the property or neighbourhood that you hadn't considered. It could also give you an idea of the sellers' motivation, which could be useful in negotiations.
14. What's the policy on decorating or making changes to the property?
This question is particularly important for renters, but it's also relevant for buyers, especially of leasehold properties. For renters, understanding what you can and can't change in the property is crucial. Can you paint the walls? Hang pictures? Make minor alterations? For buyers of leasehold properties, there may be restrictions on certain types of renovations or alterations. Knowing these policies upfront can help you plan how to make the space your own and avoid any conflicts with landlords or management companies.
15. Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
For renters, clarity on this point can save a lot of headaches down the line. What's the process for reporting issues? How quickly are repairs typically carried out? For buyers, especially of leasehold properties, it's important to understand which maintenance responsibilities fall to you and which are covered by service charges. In freehold properties, you'll generally be responsible for all maintenance, but it's still worth asking if there are any shared responsibilities with neighbours, such as for party walls or shared driveways.
Leveraging Property Tech in your house hunt
While these questions are invaluable during a house viewing, keeping track of all this information across multiple properties can be challenging. This is where property tech comes in. A good house buying app or real estate app can be an invaluable tool in your property search.
Our Property Tracker app on iOS and Android, for instance, allows you to save listings from popular property websites like Zillow, Rightmove, Zoopla, and On The Market. You can add your own notes, ratings, and even additional photos to each listing. This means you can record the answers to all these important questions directly in the app, making it easy to compare properties later.
Moreover, Property Tracker lets you set up reminders for viewings and important dates in your house buying journey. This can help ensure you don't miss any crucial steps in the process.
Conclusion
Remember, when it comes to finding your perfect home, knowledge is power. Don't be afraid to ask these questions and any others that come to mind during your viewing. It's your right and responsibility as a potential buyer or renter to gather all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Using a property tech solution like Property Tracker can significantly streamline your house hunting process. It can help you keep all your research, notes, and impressions in one place, making it easier to compare properties and make a decision.
Ready to take your property search to the next level? Download Property Tracker today from the App Store or Google Play Store. With Property Tracker, you'll have a powerful real estate app in your pocket, ready to help you find and secure your dream home.
Download Property Tracker to help with your house hunt.
Happy house hunting, and remember – ask, record, compare, and choose with confidence!
