So, you are ready to start your climb up the property ladder. Buying a home is always a very exciting time, but it is also incredibly daunting and scary. There are many pitfalls that you need to be aware of to make sure your search and purchase of the property of your dreams is successful.

In this guide by Mortgageable we are going to help you get your footing on the ladder right from the very first rung with a guide to the kinds of things you should look for when buying a new house.

It’s important to know going into the process of buying property that a house that seems to be perfect, may have problems. For example, there could be costly hidden issues and repairs, such as noisy neighbours, faulty electrics and damp. So, it’s vital that you don’t allow your heart to make the decisions for you and that you look at more than just the décor and dimensions of the property. To help you in a more comprehensive way, we will now discuss some of the things you need to look at in interior and exterior of the property.

The Property Exterior

The exterior is the first thing you will see when you first visit a home. Make sure you look at the following to ensure you get the fullest sense of whether it will be a good investment or not.

Are the neighbours noisy? – Ask whether the current owners have any issues with their neighbours. You could also visit the home at different times of the day to check how busy and noisy the area is.

Flooding – Is the property you are looking at in an area prone to flooding? If so, you’ll find that the insurance for properties that have suffered from flooding in the past is more expensive.

Parking Permits – Do you need to invest in a parking permit to park close to the property? Is there a lack of parking spaces available, no garage and off-street parking? The last thing you want is to buy a home without having a sensible place to park your car.

Subsidence – While checking the exterior of the property, look out for any large trees that are close to the building and its foundations. These could cause subsidence.

Explore the Surrounding Area – Remember, if you are moving to a different part of town or a completely different city or area of the country, you need to make sure the area suits you too. Visit at different times of the day and check the shops, pubs and general area.

The Property Interior

Aside from aspects such as the dimensions of the property and whether they meet your requirements, there are various issues you need to inspect it for any signs of. This includes:

• Windows that are rotting
• Toilets that don’t flush properly or strongly enough
• Roof with missing tiles
• Guttering problems
• Dampness and mould

Do you know anyone who is a registered and qualified builder and has experience solving problems with properties? If you do, invite them to assess the property when you go to view it, so you can get their expert opinion on it and any damages that need to be repaired. You could also use this to your advantage when negotiating on the price.