Home buyer’s checklist

One property can look very much like another after a while, but with the help of our checklist you can make sure you remember which was which.

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Is the property a flat

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Is it leasehold? Or freehold? Leasehold properties are often cheaper than their freehold counterparts.

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How long is left on the lease? Lenders will want to see a significant period – normally over 50 years – before they will lend.

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How much is the service charge? Make sure you get a full breakdown of what is included in this, and how the charges are decided.

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How often is this paid? If you have to cough up a large sum once a year, it could be a bit of a shock.

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How much is the ground rent? This should be in the leasehold agreement for the entire duration of the lease.

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How often is this paid? In many cases, it’s paid alongside the service charge, but leases do vary.

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Are the communal areas clean and well kept? Aside from the quality of life in the property, it will also affect the resale value.

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Do you have access to a garden? And what are your responsibilities relating to it?

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Is it shared or private? Make sure if it’s shared that you will get fair use.

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Who is responsible? Managing agents have varied reputations and it’s worth checking them out first.

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Outside the property

• Are there good transport links nearby?

• Are there shops within walking distance?

• Are the neighbouring houses in a good state of repair? If not, they could hold down the value of your property.

• Is it on a busy road?

• It may be worth visiting the property at least twice, at different times of day, to check if the levels of noise and through traffic vary.

• Does it appear to be on a flight path?

• Are there any roof tiles missing? If so, watch out for signs of damp inside the property.

• Are there signs of subsidence?

• A bent chimney stack, an uneven roof-line or cracking on the walls are all signs a property has suffered from subsidence.

• Are there any nearby trees?

• If there are any large trees nearby the roots could undermine the property’s foundations.

• Is there any parking in the area?

• If you have to buy a parking permit ask  the seller how much this will cost.

• Is it double-glazed?

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Inside the property

• Is there any storage space?

• Can you hear the neighbours?

• Are there signs of subsidence?

• Including cracks on the walls wider than the thickness of a 10p piece, and doors that are sticking or not hanging correctly

• Are there signs of damp?

• Feel plastered walls for moisture, and look out for dark patches on the walls.

• Have the current owners very recently redecorated? Be wary of new paint or wallpaper. It could conceal damp patches or cracks.

• Are the window frames in good condition?

• Window frames with cracking paint can indicate damp. If you can press your finger easily into the wood, it’s rotten.

• Are the rooms a practical shape? Consider how you will fit your furniture into the property.

• Are carpets included in the price?

• Are any appliances included?

• Is there central heating?

• If it is a gas central heating system ask when the boiler was last checked and how old it is.

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