It’s autumn, you’re viewing potential homes and panic is setting in because there are so few properties on the market and you want to be in your new abode by Christmas.
You feel like time is running out and you are wondering whether to give up. So, you nearly put in an offer there and then when you get ‘the feeling’ the moment you step into a beautiful period property which is not only within your budget but literally requires no work.
According to experts, however, it is in this sublime moment some of the biggest buying mistakes can happen.
And, with the number of buyers currently far outweighing the number of homes for sale, this scenario could be all-too-real for many of the would-be home movers currently searching for their new pad.
Research by Aviva found the recent property boom and stamp duty holiday left many homeowners feeling under pressure to buy. At the same time, 92% of people then discovered problems with properties after buying and expected to spend an average of £10,000 repairing them.
As such experts are warning anyone who is tempted to rush into a purchase to step back for a moment, take a deep breath, and do some vital checks before proceeding to avoid leaping into the unknown and making a costly mistake.
This is particularly important if you find a home which looks ‘done’ and which you could just move straight into, because sometimes the newly-renovated interior could be masking underlying problems. Or work could have been carried out using shortcuts to save time and money.
Sarah Hastings at window supplier, RW4Y, said: “It can be exciting to find a property that already has some renovation work done on it, as this can save you a lot of time when moving in.
“It allows you to settle quickly into a more finished property, without having to allot long stretches of time to making structural improvements as well as cosmetic ones.
“However, it’s easy to rush your decision after a quick viewing, especially with many homebuyers feeling pressured to make speedy purchases in the current property market.
“Take your time to examine things like the roof, windows, and plumbing, to check they won’t cost you money after moving in.“
Sarah highlighted a few property red flags to watch out for. These could indicate there are may be problems ahead…
- Flat roofs
Does your home of dreams have a flat roof? If so you may have some thinking to do.
Flat roofs, Sarah said, were prone to water pooling, which is when rain doesn’t make it into the drains at the edges, but instead lingers in puddles on the roof’s surface.
This leads to problems with damp inside the house, as more water sitting in one place increases the chances of water penetration.
You should also look at any windows or skylights in the roof if it is flat — sloping roof windows allow plenty of light into your house without causing pooling water to sit on top of the glass and frame.
- Building materials
Keep an eye out for low quality or cheap building materials throughout the property.
RW4Y explained the best way to add refurbishments to older buildings with solid walls, was to use traditional materials that were compatible with the original building work.
Older buildings with shallow foundations were more affected by seasonal ground movement, and because cement is very brittle it develops small cracks.
This means that rain can penetrate the building, but can’t escape. When modern paint is applied to walls without preparation, it can block natural evaporation and keep the walls damp.
The only way to pick these things up is to view the property yourself in person and take time to look carefully at walls and fittings, particularly in areas that have been renovated and refurbished recently.
You can get this double checked by a professional by appointing your own survey.
Sarah said many people rush their property viewings because they feel pressured to make a decision quickly, but it’s well worth taking a bit of extra time to check renovated areas, and refurbishments, to make sure that they have been well planned and executed.
- Planning permission
Ask the estate agent or owner for confirmation planning permission is in place for any extensions or renovations.
If planning permission hasn’t been obtained for completed building work, you can apply retrospectively, but if the request is refused you’ll have to alter or uninstall any changes. This can be both expensive and disruptive.
- Plumbing
Research conducted in 2019 found 20% of new homebuyers wished they had tested the plumbing for damage and leaks by flushing the toilet, and trying out the shower and bath to see if they worked.
Turn on the hot taps to check the hot water works, test the shower and flush the toilet. What’s more, look out for any drips. Sarah said a small drip might look like nothing, but if the home is on a water meter, it will add up in your bill over time.
Make sure the sinks drain properly and note any nasty smells. These things may not be deal breakers, but they may provide you with scope for negotiation or allow you to ask questions about the potential for any underlying problems.
Sarah added, if there is anything you are unsure about in terms of the plumbing, don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as when changes and refurbishments have been made, how they have been done, and whether there are any outstanding issues.
- Damp
Damp is commonplace in older homes which have had refurbishments and renovations carried out if the walls have not been properly constructed and plastered.
RW4Y said the tell-tale signs of regular damp were watermarked ceilings, flaking plaster, and a mouldy smell in the rooms.
It’s important to look out for this when viewing potential purchases, because damp can be an ongoing issue, and requires regular maintenance such as frequent re-plastering.
Ask the estate agent if there are any historical issues with damp in the property, and if so, what has been done to reinforce against them.
