Homebuyer Woes: 6 Things to Check Before Buying a Property

It is a curious fact that nearly two-thirds of home buyers spend more time choosing their next holiday than their next home. Did you know that many people spend less than ½ hour viewing a property before making the decision to buy it? As this is one of the biggest commitments in a lifetime, this lack of attention often leads to regrets and ‘nasty surprise’ expenditures further down the line.

The principle of ‘buyer beware’ applies to property transactions in the UK. This is where an independent home survey can help save money, as one London property expert explains: “If problems are highlighted that you could not have been aware of when your offer was agreed, you should be able to re-negotiate the sale price to reflect the cost of necessary repairs. Of course, you may decide that you don’t want to buy it at all.” Here are the top six things that every homebuyer should check before signing on the dotted line. 

Windows & doors

In a recent survey, around a quarter of homebuyers said they wish they had checked the property’s doors and windows. Are they properly fitted, fully functioning, double glazed and in a good state of repair? 

Poorly maintained and draughty windows mean greater heat loss and higher bills, while replacement window installations can be expensive, particularly for period properties. A single small (600 x 900mm) double-glazed timber window costs around £850-£1,000. Home security may be compromised if door and window locks are not up to the latest standards, and many insurance companies will insist on key operated mortice locks for front and back doors.

Radiators

One in three house buyers regret not testing how warm the property is in wintertime. Are there enough radiators to heat the space comfortably, and are they in good working order? What about the size and positioning in the room? Adding or moving radiators plus the connecting pipework can be disruptive and costly. “Expect to pay around £100-125 to have a large radiator removed, and for a plumber to then return and fit it in the same location,” advises HeatingForce.

It’s also worth looking out for old-style night storage heaters, which may indicate that the central heating system is in need of an upgrade. And if there is underfloor heating, it’s a good idea to find out whether it is a wet or dry system, when it was installed and if there is a warranty in place.

Plumbing

Plumbing issues are more common than one may think – one in five homebuyers wishes they’d tested the plumbing prior to purchase. Flushing the toilet, running taps on sinks and baths are all quick checks to confirm adequate water flow and pressure. Pay particular attention to the shower – if there’s an issue, it could be a blocked shower head or poor overall pressure. And does the water drain away freely, without any unpleasant smells coming from the drains?

It is equally important to look out for dripping taps. Easily fixed under normal circumstances, the cost of ignoring it will add up for anyone with a water meter. According to Top Tradespeople, “even a tap which drips slowly is losing over 180 litres a day, or 66,000 litres of water over the course of a year.”

Boiler

Even a Building Survey, the most comprehensive property inspection available, won’t go into details about the central heating boiler, so it is advisable to find out as much as possible from the seller. This includes the make and model, its age and service history. 

Boilers should be checked annually including flue efficiency and CO2 emissions, and an up-to-date service certificate should be provided. Replacing a boiler can be an expensive undertaking, especially just after a house move. A new combi boiler installation starts at around £1,600 while a new system boiler might cost up to £3,000.

Electrics

Are the electrics fit for purpose? Turning lights on and off and inspecting the age of switches and fittings are a good first indicator. Lighting can play an important part in making a house a home, so it’s important to check that there are enough light fittings, both inside and out. Changing or adding light fittings are of course possible, but there will be a cost.

Are there enough electrical sockets in the right locations for the family’s needs? Does the fuse board look modern or ancient? Rewiring a typical 3-bedroom house can cost anywhere between £2,500 and £4,500.

Damp

Damp can be a major nuisance in a property – but in most cases, it can be successfully remedied. Is there staining or discolouration on walls or ceilings? Evidence of condensation, peeling wallpaper or a musty smell? A Building Survey will identify areas of concern, but only a specialist damp survey will investigate the reasons for damp, suggest remedial action and give cost estimates for damp solutions. Poor ventilation, lack of damp proof course, poorly maintained exterior including leaking pipes and gutters, may all be to blame. A damp survey costs somewhere in the region of £150-£300 – which could be money well spent.

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