Buying a home can be fraught with difficulties and the majority homeowners would agree with 66% revealing they experienced problems in the process.
That is according to Which? Mortgage Advisers, who discovered delays in the chain, difficulty finding a suitable property and homes being left in poor conditions were among the setbacks to have beleaguered homeowners over the last two years.
With previous research by the advisers revealing three in ten property purchases fall through, Which? is offering advice for home buyers to help the process run more smoothly.
According to the study, the most common tribulation was delays caused by other people in the chain – with one in five of those surveyed hitting snags because of this problem.
A fifth said they found it tricky to find a suitable property and one in seven discovered the property they purchased had been left in a poor condition or with unexpected furniture.
David Blake, principal mortgage adviser at Which? said: “Moving home can be time-consuming, stressful and expensive. While there are some problems that are out of your control, there are some things you can do.
“Clearer communication and opting for a well-respected mortgage advisers, removal companies and conveyancers who are able to work to your timescales can all help to give you a smooth move.”
According to Which? getting the mortgage in place before you start looking at properties will put you in a better position.
Being a first-time buyer is also a plus as it means you won’t be involved in a chain – so make sure you make everyone aware of this fact.
Which? has elaborated on these tips and also offers lots more advice on solicitors, making an offer and selling a property in its guide.
