What questions should you ask at a property viewing?

Why are you moving out?

It may sound intimidating at first, but the vendor’s answer to this question can hint at whether you are likely to have a similar experience, in the next few years. For instance, if the family is moving out to be closer to a good school, and you are also moving in with a family or planning to start a family soon, it would affect you down the line. On the contrary, they may be relocating due to work or any other personal reason, which they are not obligated to divulge to anyone else. In this case, you should not insist. Instead of asking intriguing questions, you can also ask to see whether they are staying in the same area or not.

Moreover, you should ask about nearby schools, public transport, parks or supermarkets – only, if you are not familiar with the area.

Why are you moving out?

It may sound intimidating at first, but the vendor’s answer to this question can hint at whether you are likely to have a similar experience, in the next few years. For instance, if the family is moving out to be closer to a good school, and you are also moving in with a family or planning to start a family soon, it would affect you down the line. On the contrary, they may be relocating due to work or any other personal reason, which they are not obligated to divulge to anyone else. In this case, you should not insist. Instead of asking intriguing questions, you can also ask to see whether they are staying in the same area or not.

Moreover, you should ask about nearby schools, public transport, parks or supermarkets – only, if you are not familiar with the area.

How long has the property been on the market?

In the UK housing market, the average time to sell a house (from acceptance to completion) is around 8 to 10 weeks. If the house has been on the market for more than three months, you must ask why. Is there any problem with the property that savvy buyers have spotted but you could not? Hiring a surveyor to inspect the property can be expensive but if you intend to buy this particular property, it’s better to know about the property beforehand. You can also hire a surveyor to discover potential problems, before deciding to buy a property in the UK.

Have there been any major renovations done?

Replacing the old roof can be expensive and so does the furnace. Replacing old heating and cooling appliances can also be expensive. These all replacements (if needed) can cost you several thousand pounds, so you must ask this question to the seller and find out, if that’s needed. You must also find out when the major renovations were done in the house and whether repairing or replacing any old appliances and system will be an immediate concern.

Besides that, you can also inspect the house yourself and make a deeper analysis. For instance, a fresh coat of paint might be covering cracks or damp and colourful rugs are there to hide anything unsightly. Keep your eyes open to see the mould and mildew.

What is included in the sale?

Is the garden shed included in the sale? What fixtures and fittings will come along? Where does the boundary lie? Will built-in closets stay with the home? Which appliances, chandeliers, and tapestry will be there after the sale? These are the things that can be taken by the seller or sometimes stay with the home. You must know what you are getting for your money.

How much are the council tax and utility costs?

Besides the total price of the property, it is also important to know what will be the hidden charges including the maintenance charges, utility charges and council tax – so that you can budget effectively. You can also ask your real estate agent, which council tax band the property is in and what the annual cost is. The property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can also highlight some light on the potential costs you will be paying for gas and electricity, so you can request to see it.

**Did you know? **It’s a legal requirement for a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be provided to potential buyers as soon as a property is placed on the market. EPCs are valid for 10 years, so if the one provided with the property you are viewing is close to that expiry, find out if any energy efficiency work has been carried out on the property – since the certificate was issued.