Buying a property is exciting right?
You start imagining “which shape sofa to get? how to organize things? what the spare room could look like? and whether you can finally have that garden you always wanted.”
But once the excitement settles, there are more important questions to ask estate agents in the UK before viewing the property.
How long has the property been on the market?
Are there any issues with the house?
What will it cost to run?
And what happens after your offer is accepted?
The property may look perfect during 20-minute viewing and still come with questions you didn't think to ask.
Whether you are a first-time buyer in UK, moving home or looking for Property Investment in the UK, asking the right questions before making an offer can help you understand what you are buying, nearby locality concerns and help you to make an informed decision.
Here are 10 important questions to ask before buying a house in the UK.
Why is the owner selling or moving?
This question may sound silly, but the answer can help you get useful context about the property and the seller's situation.
People can sell or move for many sorts of reasons. It could be relocating for work, upsizing or downsizing of family or simply looking for a change.
But by knowing why the seller is moving can give you a better idea of their circumstances and how quickly they want to sell.
For example, if they have already found their next home, they might be ready to move quickly. If they are still looking for one, then the buying process could take longer.
“Can you tell me why the owners are moving or selling this property?”
How Long Has the Property Been on the Market?
A property that has been listed for a few days and one that has been available for several months can tell very different stories.
If a property has been on the market for a long time, ask:
- Is the asking price changed?
- Have previous buyers made any offers and pulled out?
- Is there any issue or known reason why the property isn’t sold?
A longer listing period doesn't always mean something is wrong.
The property could have initially been overpriced, the market may have been slower or the seller may have been unwilling to negotiate.
What is the Property's Tenure?
Before getting stick to a property, find out whether it is freehold or leasehold.
This is particularly important when buying a flat.
If the property is leasehold, ask:
- How many years remain on the lease?
- What are the current service charges?
- Can these charges increase?
- Are there restrictions on pets, subletting or alterations?
- Are there any planned major works?
Know the tenure and other associated costs, because it can have a significant impact on your affordability and future saleability.
The ownership structure can vary based on the property type, so make sure you understand exactly what you are buying before proceeding.
Are There Any Known Problems with the Property?
This is where you should actively investigate
Ask directly about any known issues with the property.
That could include:
- Damp or mould
- Cracks
- Roof problems
- Leaks
- Drainage issues
- Plumbing problems
- Electrical issues
- Subsidence
- Previous structural repairs
- Problems with the heating system
You may receive a reassuring answer, but don't rely on a conversation alone.
Prepare a property viewing checklist in the UK and consider arranging an appropriate property survey in UK before proceeding to the purchase.
What Are the Real Running Costs?
The purchase price is only one part of the cost of owning a property.
Before making an offer, try to understand what your ongoing living costs could look like.
Ask about:
- Council Tax band
- Energy costs
- Water bills
- Heating
- Service charges, if applicable
- Ground rent, where applicable
- Buildings or other relevant insurance
- Regular maintenance
The property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can also give you useful information about its energy efficiency and potential running costs.
If you're buying a flat, service charges deserve particular attention. A property that looks affordable based on the asking price may feel very different once regular charges are added.
How Is the Area Really Look Like?
You are not only buying four walls.
You are buying its location and surroundings too
So don't rely entirely on the property listing or a single viewing.
Explore the area yourself.
Think about:
- Transport links
- Local shops
- Schools
- Parking
- Green spaces
- Restaurants and amenities
- Traffic
- Noise
- Commute times
- General atmosphere
And try visiting at different times.
A quiet street at 11am on a Tuesday may feel very different at 7pm on a Friday.
If you are buying as an investment, think beyond your own preferences.
Check out what could make the location attractive to future tenants or buyers, depending on your investment strategy.
Are There Any Planned Developments or Changes Nearby?
Imagine you are buying a property because it has peaceful view and later discover that a major development is planned nearby.
That's why always investigate about the wider area before you commit.
There could be plans for:
- New housing
- Road developments
- Commercial buildings
- Infrastructure projects
- Changes to transport routes
- Major project construction
You shouldn't rely solely on what the seller or estate agent knows. One should solely research the local area and gather information by yourself.
This is particularly important if the surrounding environment is one of the main reasons you are interested in the property.
What Is Included in the Sale?
Never assume that everything you see during a viewing will stay after completion.
Ask what's included.
This could include:
- Kitchen appliances
- Curtains and blinds
- Light fittings
- Fitted wardrobes
- Garden sheds
- Greenhouses
- Outdoor structures
- Other fixtures and fittings
If there is something specific you want to stick with the property, make sure it is clearly discussed and properly documented during the property buying process.
What Happens After My Offer Is Accepted?
Making an offer is exciting, but it's not the end of the buying process.
There is still work to do before you get the keys.
Depending on your circumstances, the next stages may include:
- Confirming your solicitor or conveyancer
- Progressing your mortgage application
- Arranging a property survey
- Carrying out property searches
- Review legal documents
- Raising and resolving enquiries
- Exchanging contracts
- Preparing for completion
The exact process and timeline can vary, particularly depending on whether there is a property chain involved.
That's why it's useful to ask the estate agent about the seller's position and expected timeline before making an offer.
Have Any Extensions or Major Alterations Been Made within the Property?
That beautiful extension converted loft or modern kitchen may be one of the reasons you love the property. But before you make an offer, find out whether any major changes have been made to the original property.
Ask the estate agent or seller:
- Has the property been extended or converted?
- When was the work took place?
- Was planning permission required?
- Was building regulations approval obtained?
- Are the relevant certificates or documents available?
- Have there been any previous structural alterations?
This is particularly important if you are buying a property with a loft conversion, rear extension, garage conversion or other major changes.
Ready to Make Your Best Move?
Buying a property in the UK is a major decision and the pressure to make a quick choice can sometimes make it easy to overlook the details.
At Best In Move, we believe a good property decision starts with good information.
Whether you're buying your first home, moving to a new property or exploring an investment opportunity, take the time to ask questions, understand the numbers and look beyond the listing.
Because the right property isn't simply the one you fall in love with. It's the one that still makes sense when you look at the facts.
Make your best move with Best In Move.