Property

Property Investing: A Checklist for Buying a House

Buying a house is a big and expensive decision, so buyers should make sure they are investing their money in a worthwhile property. There are many different contributing factors when considering which property to buy – some are structural, while others are personal preferences.

Property experts – such as Sam Najafi, property writer – understand what to look for in a building, including good structure and maintenance, and a quality design and finish. When evaluating a property, it is important to consider the structure, roof, plumbing, and wiring, as well as considering issues such as damp and Japanese Knotweed. The neighbourhood, neighbours and local amenities are also important considerations.

The Structure
Buildings naturally shift over time. However, this movement can cause serious structural issues. It is important to confirm that the property does not have any structural damage, so buyers should look for big cracks, walls that bulge or bow, splintered window lintels, or doors that stick when opened or closed. A sagging roof is another sign of structural damage, and buyers will want to ensure that the roof is in good working condition. Other roof issues that should be evaluated are leaks, punctures, pools of water and badly installed flashing – all of these issues could require the roof to be replaced, which is an expensive job.
Plumbing and Wiring
Whilst viewing a property, buyers should check the water heater and radiators, as well as running the taps to check the water pressure. The pipes should be sufficiently insulated, and questions should be asked about the sewage system – particularly if it is septic.

Rewiring a property is both time-consuming and costly. Therefore, buyers should ensure that the wiring is up-to-date and in good working order. Check the fuse box to see if it requires replacing (if it has a wooden back, no labels, a black electric cable entering it, or cast-iron switches, it will need to be updated). Another consideration is the number of electrical sockets, switches and plugs there are, as the electrics are sure to be out of date if there are only one or two sockets in each room.

Correctly assessing a property can be complicated, and as such, the majority of buyers will have a professional survey carried out before investing in a property. House surveys are carried out by professional surveyors, who looks to identify any issues with the property, as well as giving a fair assessment of its condition.