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When you have worked out how much you can afford to spend, you'll need to decide what kind of property you want. You can then look for suitable available properties and arrange to view them.
Using an estate agent
Many buyers find out what's available by visiting estate agents in the high street. Most estate agents advertise in their shop windows, in local newspapers, or on the internet. You will probably have more choice if you go to an estate agent.
In popular areas, you may need to view properties as soon as they come on the market. It may also be worth telephoning regularly to check if new properties are available.
Remember that the agent has a contract with the seller and will always act on her/his behalf. They get commission from the sale, so they will try to get the highest price possible.
Property descriptions
Estate agents' descriptions of properties have to be accurate, but should be treated with caution. They don't have to point out any potential problems, and are designed to make the property as attractive as possible to buyers.
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Private sales
Although most people use an estate agent, some home owners sell their homes privately. Check the property pages of local newspapers to find out if anyone is doing this in the area you're interested in.
Some sellers may attach a sign to the property or put advertisements in shop windows or on the internet. You can also put a 'wanted' advert in local papers or shop windows to attract someone prepared to sell privately.
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Viewing the property
Most buyers have a clear idea of the type of property they are looking for, but it can be difficult to find your ideal home. Comparing properties is easier if you put together a checklist of your priorities.
Deciding what is essential will help you to avoid wasting time viewing unsuitable properties. The checklist should include details of what you want from the property itself, and the local area.
The kind of property that is right for you will depend on your personal circumstances. For example, if you have young children you may want a property that is on the ground floor. You also need to think about:
- how many bedrooms you need,
- how much time and money you can afford to spend on repairs and decorating,
- how much your heating bills are likely to be,
- whether you can afford the ongoing costs, such as ground rent and service charges if the property is leasehol,
- how much you will have to pay for rates.
Try to get as much information as possible about each property to get an idea whether it is worth viewing. You may want to check the address on a local map. You can ask if any offers have already been made on the property, but the estate agent doesn't have to tell you.
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Carrying out a viewing
It is easy to fall for a property if it is attractively decorated or is the style of property you had hoped for. However, it's still important to inspect the property - both inside and out.
Try to work out how much you are likely to have to spend on repairs and improvements, as this may affect what you can afford to offer.
See how each property measures up against your checklist. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to take notes on anything important, such as:
- leaks in the plumbing or guttering,
- stains or cracks on the walls or ceilings,
- mould or condensation,
- uneven floors.
These problems may indicate that there are more serious problems in the property. If you can, it's also a good idea to walk around outside and look at the property from the garden. Try to find out if there have been any major alterations made which could affect the structure of the property.
Visit a property at different times before making an offer. Ask what the neighbours are like and, if possible, try to meet them. This will give you a better idea of what the property and the area are really like.
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Check out the local area
Checking out the local area is also very important . The location will affect the value of the property and may mean that a property you like isn't suitable for you. For example find out if the area:
- is safe,
- is close to transport, shops, doctors, leisure facilities, schools,
- is close to family and friends who you want nearby,
- is lively or quiet - are the neighbours noisy?
- has any problems with the air quality or pollution,
- has parking space.
The seller, or estate agent, may give you some information about this, but you may want to do your own research as well. It's worth exploring the area to see what it's like.
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Newly built properties
Buying a new home has its advantages. You don't usually have to spend money on repairs and/or decorating for the first few years. In many cases the builders will install fitted kitchens and/or carpets as part of the sale, and you may get a choice of colours.
However, new properties are sometimes a long way from local amenities such as schools and shops. The rooms may be smaller than in older properties, and sound insulation may be limited.
Many builders also provide structural guarantees for the first ten years after you buy your home. If any structural problems develop within that time, you won't have to pay for the repairs. Find out exactly what the guarantee covers before you sign anything.
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Older properties
Older homes are popular with many buyers because of architectural and period features. They are also usually closer to schools and shops than new properties. However, this may mean that it will be more difficult to find a parking space, and traffic pollution and noise could become a problem.
Older properties are also more likely to have structural problems, particularly if:
- they have been converted into flats,
- major alternations have been made,
- they have not been properly maintained.
If you want to buy an older property it may be a good idea to hire a surveyor to carry out a homebuyer's report or a full survey before you exchange contracts. Back to top
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