Whether it’s your first property you’re buying or moving into a new place to rent, the house viewing is an essential part of the process. Before this, you would only see pictures of the property online, so may have only been able to form an incomplete opinion.
Read on for some top tips on what to look for when viewing a property.
Structurally Sound
You want to ensure that the property you’re looking at is structurally sound, as it can be dangerous to live in if it is not. See if you can see any large cracks around the property, especially around windows.
Damp
Nobody wants to live in a damp property, so look out for flaky plaster, watermarks on the walls/ceilings and a mouldy smell. Mould could also be present if you notice the house has been recently painted, as this is a common method of hiding damp.
Property Direction
You might want to take note of what direction the property is facing. In the summer when the sun is shining, this can make a world of difference, as you might’ve moved in winter and unwittingly realised in summer you don’t get much natural light. Take a compass if you’re not sure!
Storage & Size
Is the home big enough for everything you need? Carefully consider the size of each room and whether there is enough storage space for you to live there without it feeling cramped. Sometimes stagers will put small furniture in rooms to make it seem bigger, so if you already have furniture in mind for the property you should take measurements with you and test them out.
Neighbours
While your home is your home, you’ll also want to maybe check who is living nearby. This can inform you a lot about the area you’re in, or you might discover you’d be living next to someone you’d prefer not to. On the flip side, you might discover some amazing neighbours that will make you want the property even more!
Local Area
Have an explore of the nearby area to discover what it is like. See if there are any local shops and public transport links. You might want to check if you’re near a pub that might get rowdy at night, or where the nearest school is if you’re planning to have children.
Licensed Conveyancer Assistance
When looking to move house, you should work with a highly-qualified solicitor who can help you make the process as easy as possible for you. Richards & Lewis offers expert residential conveyancing help, working with you to work through the legal jargon and extensive contracts with your best interests in mind.
We can help with mortgage and remortgage issues, as well as equity release and shared ownership purchases. As well as residential conveyancing, we can also assist with commercial conveyancing issues if needed.
If you need assistance with conveyancing, get in touch with us today.
