House hunting tips

  • Always do research

You can never do enough research. A lot of people dive into the property market head first and blind folded, and that’s when people make bad purchases. If you like a property, find out about the surrounding area; find out the local crime rate, find out how much properties in the area recently sold for. Find out EVERYTHING. There are tonnes of websites out there that will give you all these details at no cost.


  • Get yourself Prepared financially

Get all your finance sorted before you make any offers, so that you are sure you can afford the property. Make sure you have taken every cost into consideration, like conveyancing solicitors, stamp duty, survey fees, Estate Agent (if they apply) fees etc.
Most crucially, make sure you can get the financial backing you need.


  • Survey the structural of the property

Always get a structural survey done. The basic or mid-ranged survey is fine, with the newer homes. But with older properties, definitely get the higher-level inspection. Short term this may add expenses onto your limited budget, but it could potentially save you thousands in the long run.
Most Mortgage lenders will insist on a structural survey anyway, as they won’t want to help you finance a house that’s about to fall apart.


  • Property fittings

A lot of houses are presented beautifully, especially with fitted bathrooms and kitchens. You may get a nasty shock when you move in only to find the previous owners took the fittings with them. So make sure you ask what comes with the property before you make an offer.


  • Always haggle on the asking price

Never offer the asking price, even if you really love a particular property. Sellers/Estate Agents normally add on a few thousand pounds from the actual value of the property because they expect offers to always be below asking price. Be risky, and make a cheeky offer- it might get excepted.


  • Background check

Find out how long the house has been on the market for from your Estate Agent. If a house you’re in love with has been on the market for a long period of time, ask yourself why, be on your toes. If the house is legit, and for some odd reason it’s not selling, then make a low offer.


  • Keep your emotions in check

Never be overly keen to either the seller or your Estate Agent. The Estate Agent and seller both have one thing in common- they want the you to spend as much as possible. Remember, the Estate Agent is working for the seller, not the buyer.

If you act overly keen, they will try and make you spend more money than necessary. One trick is by telling you that the house has had higher bids from non existing buyers, just so you put in higher offers to buy the house. Buying property is like playing a game of poker- you need to play the game with a face of stone.


  • Always Be patient

Buying a house is a big deal and will effect your life so never rush into buying a property. There is an art to buying property, and patience is a big part of it.
Impatience leads to expensive and inadequate purchases. If your patience is the direct reason of losing out on a deal, don’t worry, properties come and go on the market.
On the other hand, your impatience could be the direct reason of making a bad purchase, and consequently throwing your money down the drain.


  • Think about the future

out what can happen in future when you are looking to buy that house. Interest rates can increase at any time, and that will have direct impact on your monthly mortgage repayments. You may be out of work for a period of time, would you still be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments?.


  • An empty house looks will look different to a furnished one

Have a clear image of what the house looks like when empty, do not be fooled by props and its arrangements a seller has strategically put in. Once a house is stripped from all it’s wrapping, you maybe surprised how different it looks.
Check behind and under the furniture, because you never know what surprises might be hidden away- peeling wallpaper, stained carpets etc.


  • Check out the neighborhood

Are you looking for a peaceful area? Remember, an Estate Agent is working with the seller to get a maximum sale value- they will arrange viewings at optimum times. When you view a property, the surrounding area may be quiet and peaceful. Consider what the noise maybe like at times you haven’t been there.


  • Damp properties

Smell for dampness. Touch the walls, feel if they’re damp. Look for suspicious signs of a home being overly heated and sprayed with overpowering fragrances.


  • The roof can be costly to fix

Check the tiles on the roof. A lot of people neglect the roof when inspecting a house, and that’s exactly where a lot of people have to shell out a lot of expenses. This especially applies to older properties.


  • Location location location

Finding the dream house is always great. But what about your dream location? Does it contain all your essentials, like a local groceries, schools etc.
Don’t just focus on the property; focus on the bigger picture. Make sure the local area is equipped for your requirements.


  • Always Shop around

You can never find the right property after one viewing, even if you think otherwise. Make sure you take your time looking at several difference properties. Don’t just look in one area, be a little open minded and open yourself to possibilities. You’ll get a better idea of what your hard earned cash can actually get you.