Questions to ask when viewing a property
Buying a house can be a daunting prospect, especially as you are parting with a substantial sum of money, so preparation is key. In-person viewings allow you to find out as much as you can about the property before committing to buy, so dig deep and ask all the important questions - it will help you make your decision. We’ve compiled a list of questions below as a starting point, and included lots that you may not have thought of!
About the property
• Property asking price
• Is there leeway on the asking price? Do they accept offers?
• If the property is yet to be built, what’s the likely finishing date?
• What is the parking like if the property doesn’t have a private driveway?
• Does the property come with flooring?
• Does the garden come landscaped?
• What choices are available in terms of home decor (kitchens, flooring etc)
• Which way does the garden face?
• What standard fixtures and fittings are included in the price?
• What does the new home warranty include and who is it through?
• Who are the energy suppliers?
• Are there any restrictive covenants?
Local area
- Is the area noisy?
- Are there any plans to extend the development?
- Which school are in the catchment area and what are they like?
- Are the transport links good?
- How far is the nearest train station or bus stop?
- Where are the nearest shops?
- Where’s the nearest doctors surgery, dentist and hospital?
- What are the neighbours like?
- Has the area got a crime record?
Costs
- How much is the council tax for the house?
- Is the property lease or freehold?
- If the property is leasehold, how much is the ground rent/service charge?
- Who is the leasehold owned by?
- What do I get with the property? i.e. flooring, appliances
- Are there any discounts or incentives available?
- Do you take part-exchange of an existing property?
Last updated April 20th, 2022
