Buying a property in London can be an exciting time, arguably moreso for a first time buyer. Saving up for an initial deposit can be a huge achievement on your target is reached and then using that money to buy your first home is a great feeling. However, with all the excitement, some potential buyers forget to carry out important checks and leave themselves with expensive problems to deal with once they have completed on their purchase.
Here are 6 important things to check when you’re buying a house in London
Check Your Council Tax Band
When you agree your mortgage with your lender, you will have a rough idea of your monthly outgoings. However, it’s always important to check your council tax band before you start paying bills. Some people have made the mistake of simply assuming this outgoing and left themselves open to a nasty surprise when the bill comes in. Be sure to be in the know.
Arrange For A Damp Inspection
Some sellers may try to disguise damp by placing furniture in front of damp patches, or even by giving a wall a fresh coat of paint. However, damp can cause significant structural damage if it isn’t rectified. Before agreeing on your property purchase price, arrange for a damp inspection for your London property. These damp inspections are usually very cheap, and can give you a good idea of the extent of any damp and the appropriate costs to repair and restore.
Be Sure To Collect All Warranty Documents
If the property you are planning to purchase has had new windows, or a new front door, or a new boiler, you should be presented with a proof of warranty from your seller. If not, be sure to chase this up. For instance, new windows tend to come with a ten-year warranty so if any issues arise, you are covered. Without these documents, you may be left to foot the bill of a repair that could potentially already be covered.
Arrange For Drain Surveys
A lot of issues with drainage systems are generally unseen therefore it is imperative to instruct a specialist to perform CCTV drain surveys in London. A drain survey can tell you of any present or potential issues with your drains. If repairs are required, you may wish for the seller to remedy these before you complete on your purchase or alternatively, you could use the cost of repairs to haggle on the asking price.
Ensure You Have Details Of Utilities
Bills and utilities can be problematic enough to arrange when you move into a new property without you having to find out and source the supplier of each individual service. When you’re in the process of buying your property, be sure that the seller offers up as much information as possible. The gas supplier, the electricity supplier, perhaps any previous suppliers too. These are just examples but go through anything you think might be useful and obviously, make your life easier once you move in.
Check Your Garden For Issues
Homeowners often forget the consider issues that they may come across within the external areas of their property. Gardens are often taken at face value and little consideration is given to problems they may present. For example, a garden with Japanese Knotweed may actually prevent your mortgage lender from lending you the money, and to remove this weed, it can cost upwards of £20,000! Similarly, large trees nearby or on your property can grow to cause structural hazards.
Helpful? We Hope So!
Buying a property is exciting and at some points overwhelming, so don’t forget to make your list of those all important checks so as to avoid unnecessary repairs and expense once you complete on your purchase.
