Three Things to Keep In Mind When Buying a House

Buying a new property is a huge decision - and unfortunately, it’s a lot more complicated than simply viewing a property and choosing a house. There’s plenty of paperwork that goes with it too and lots of things you need to decide before you make the big purchase. While you’ll want to find a house within budget and one that you can afford, it’s also crucial you don’t purchase a home that needs lots of work if you don’t have the budget for it.

To save you both time and money, our expert building surveyors have put together a few things to bear in mind when buying a home. There are lots of common mistakes people make when house-hunting, so make sure you follow our top tips to avoid them.

Visually inspect the property as you view it

When you view a property, don’t just look around to see if you can imagine yourself living in it (although you should do this), make sure you visually inspect it too. Give the roof a quick once-over from the street as you approach the property; while you won’t be able to get too close or detect the hidden signs of a leak, you can quickly spot if any tiles are missing or visually check the overall condition of the roof.

When walking around the property, keep an eye out for any tell-tale cracks. Look out for big cracks in the walls and ceilings and check around bay windows. While small hairline cracks are normal, it’s important to be aware of any large cracks in the house.

Don’t rush to put an offer in

Buying a new house is incredibly exciting - but make sure you don’t get too excited and rush into a purchase without properly thinking it through. Sometimes, you’ll need to make a quick decision, but it’s important that you make sure the home is right for you before you part with any money. Remember to consider all of the things that are important to you - this may include what the neighbourhood is like, how long your commute to work will be, the closest schools for your children and the crime rate in the area.

Make sure there’s sufficient storage

One of the most common mistakes house hunters make when viewing properties is not checking if there is sufficient storage. Sure, the rooms might be big and spacious and there may be cupboards here and there - but is there enough room for your needs? Newer homes tend to have less storage space than older properties, so be careful when viewing new builds. Always keep your future in mind too; if you plan to grow your family or even start a new business from home, you’re likely going to need some extra storage space along the way.

At Simon Levy Associates, we have a huge range of experience surveying homes. Whether a residential or commercial property, our skilled, experienced and qualified team can help identify any problems and carry out professional property surveys. For more information about us, visit our website.