If you are thinking about taking your first steps on the property ladder or looking to move into a new home, there are a multitude of important things you need to consider before purchasing the property. 

This article will provide a brief rundown of some of the most crucial things to look out for to help you avoid potential additional costs or unexpected work down the line.

Check the building structure 

One of the first things you need to make sure you are fully aware of is the structure of the building itself. Although a survey will highlight anything you may not be able to see yourself on an initial viewing, there are several things you can keep an out for before making any sort of offer on the house. 

Look out for signs of damp or mould such as sagging floors, black mould or sagging floors. These will be a clear indicator that something may not be quite right behind the surface and will help you avoid additional costs down the line. 

If you think that there are potential structural issues that have not been brought to light by the developer of a new build property after your purchase, you could look to open a professional negligence case which you could receive compensation for. 

Planning permission

If you are thinking about making any sort of renovation to the property, it’s vital that you speak to the real estate agent to find out if this would be at all possible. Without this prior knowledge, you could purchase a property under the impression you could extend or make drastic renovations, only to find out that this would not be the case.

Electrics and appliances

Make sure that all of the fixtures and appliances within the property that are included in the sale are in good working order. They may look to be on the surface, but it’s always a good idea to ask if you can see how things work so you know ahead of time. This could save you money in the future if you find out you need to replace kitchen appliances, for example, once you move in.

Ask the estate agent if they can confirm with the current homeowners what works and what may need fixing, as you can factor this into the price you are willing to pay for the property.

Location

One of the most important things about any property is its location. It’s vital that you get a sense of the area and what it would be like to live there before you make your purchase. You want to make sure that the area is safe and secure and suits your needs.

Think about spending some time walking around the local area, checking out the amenities such as shops, bars and restaurants. If you are a family, it’s a good idea to check out the local schools in the area and their Ofsted rating too.