Questions to ask about the current owners and sale process
1. Why is the owner selling?
Getting an idea of why the owner is selling can help you when you come to negotiate the price of the property, as you can better understand their position.
It may you give insight into whether the property is right for you or not too, depending on their answer.
2. How long have they lived there?
Asking how long someone has lived at the property could give you an insight into neighbourhood issues, potential problems with the house, or even changes in the area. Not only that, but someone who’s lived in an area for a long time could have valuable insights on the location, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
But you might need to ask some follow-up questions rather than making assumptions based on their response.
3. How long has the property been on the market?
By learning how long the property has been on the market, you may be able to get a better foothold in negotiations. Likewise, if it’s been up for a long time, it may be due to certain issues that you haven’t yet noticed.
4. Has the value of the property changed recently?
Changes in property value could be indicative of renovations, changes in the area (for better or worse), as well as potential damage to the home. This isn’t a foolproof method, but asking about the value of the property could open the door on important details you might otherwise overlook.
5. Have the sellers found a new home, and is there a chain?
Knowing if there’s a chain can help you determine if the buying process is going to be a bit more difficult, as you can get a sense of the scale of ongoing property sales. Likewise, if there is a chain the seller may be a bit more pressured to accept a deal, which could help when it comes to negotiating. If they haven’t found a home, it could suggest longer wait times as their house sale might be the thing that impacts their ability to buy a new home.
6. Have the sellers had any offers?
Answers to this question can give you an idea of the house’s popularity, which could influence how you choose to negotiate. For example, if there’s a lot of interest you may want to make a more competitive bid. On the other hand if you’re the only interested party you might be safe offering slightly under the asking price.
Questions to ask about the property and contents
1. How old is the property?
Age isn’t just a number – especially when it comes to a property, as it tells you a lot. Older homes can come with a lot of charm, including luxurious craftmanship and original features not commonly seen in new builds. However, they can come with challenges too, such as outdated plumbing, expensive or uncommon materials, and the need for repair. The age of your property could have an impact on your building’s insurance too.
2. Have there been renovations or extensions?
If a house has been renovated time and time again, is it still the same house? Renovations may seem like a good thing on paper, with increased value and added functionality, but they can also hide issues. Undocumented or DIY changes can be a risk, so it’s important to get an idea of the scope of changes, why they were made, and how they were done. Make sure they have documentation and paperwork to prove any renovations are safe and have been approved.
3. What’s included with the sale?
Over time, a house can change, and some things will get left behind. However, it’s important to clarify what’s included in the sales price before you accept a deal. For example, you may enjoy a water feature or garden shed but not be aware that the owner is taking these with them to their new property. By asking this question upfront, there’s no surprises, extra costs, or disputes down the line.
4. How old is the boiler?
If you’ve ever had to deal with a faulty boiler, then you’ll know why this house viewing question is a must-ask. Try to determine when the boiler was last serviced , if there are any ongoing issues with it, where it’s located, and of course, the installation date. Boilers are expensive purchases, if there’s a risk of failure or a need for servicing and replacement, you may want to negotiate on the price.
5. How old is the wiring and plumbing? Have there been any issues with it?
Don’t get your wires crossed – ask early about the condition of the electrics and plumbing in any house you’re interested in. These jobs can quickly become expensive, so knowing the condition of each utility is essential to avoid any nasty shocks. It’s not just about faults either – older systems could be inefficient, have bad connections, or be prone to blockages.
6. Which way does the property face?
Knowing which direction the property faces can make all the difference. For example, most people prefer a south or west-facing garden to make the most of the sunshine. Likewise, you might prefer to have your bedroom on a north-facing aspect so you’re not woken too early or kept too hot in the summer.
7. How much is council tax and utility bills?
To properly plan for the future, you need to get an idea of what you’re paying. Budgets can be tight, especially in the months following a house purchase. If the council tax band was not included in the property’s listing, then it’s important to ask this question. You can also ask for a copy of utilities, just so you can get an estimate.
8. How much is their buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance can vary by property, so don’t assume one house to be like another. Get an estimate on the cost of buildings insurance from the owners before you buy, that way you can plan your finances.
9. How energy efficient is the property?
You can ask about the property’s energy efficiency, which could help you compare between other houses you view. However, it may be worth following this up with some other house viewing questions. Ask if they can tell you more about the property, such as if it’s insulated, if there is double glazing, and so on.
10. How new is the roof, guttering and drains?
Learning the condition of the guttering, drains and roof could help you determine the risk of leaks , water damage, sagging and missing tiles. Asking questions about the state of the roof, as well as if any repairs have been done, could give you an insight into potential problems down the road.
11. Has the property ever flooded? Is there a flood risk?
Life by the river is idyllic, but it comes with its own risks. It’s important to know if the property has ever flooded, but also, if there’s any measures in place such as water barriers and tanking solutions or pumps. Some properties are built on floodplains, and it can be difficult or expensive to get home insurance in some cases.
12. Is the property listed?
Listed buildings, or buildings of interest, can come with some very strict requirements when it comes to repairs or renovation – and they’re usually not cheap. Always ask if a building is listed, as this could have a major impact on any plans you have for the property.
Questions to ask about the neighbourhood
1. What’s the crime rate in the local area?
Not only does the crime rate influence your peace of mind and wellbeing, but it can also have a direct influence on your home insurance costs. Try to determine if there is an active neighbourhood watch, or any security systems in place.
2. What are the neighbours like?
Neighbours can make or break a home – especially noisy ones. Among all questions to ask when viewing a house, getting the down low on the neighbours is important. Will it be a banging on the walls at 3 A.M. or a lend me some sugar relationship? Do they have dogs? Ask plenty of questions, as your neighbours and neighbourhood will have a dramatic effect on your quality of life.
3. Are there any local plans that could affect the property?
New housing developments? Roadworks during your afternoon powernap? What about renovation work while you’re working? Try to get as much information as possible on projects or local plans that could impact your livelihood for the foreseeable future.
4. Are there good schools nearby?
If you’ve got kids, then proximity to good schools is going to be at the top of your list. If you haven’t done so already, getting educated on nearby schools could be the thing you need to tip you over the edge and make a decision.
5. How good is the broadband in the area? Do they have fibre optic?
Broadband isn’t a luxury for many people anymore, and spotty connections can be a problem. Whether it’s about hobbies or work, it’s important to know what broadband requirements you have, and to ask the right questions. If high speeds are essential, then ask early on about the availability of technologies like fibre optic.
6. Is it easy to park on the street?
If there’s no off-street parking, or limited parking, it’s good to ask about parking in the street. This question lets you know how difficult it could be to find parking. For example, maybe there’s a van that blocks things at night, or perhaps the road gets very tight. It’s also good to know what options you have for guests, especially if you intend to host people.
7. Is there efficient public transport?
The better connected to nearby hotspots you are, the more easily you can get out and about without worrying about the logistics of your car. Regular buses, trains to key stations, and even e-scooters can all be good things to know about ahead of time. This allows you to plan your route and see how things will impact your life – doubly important if you’re unable to drive to work.
Sainsbury’s Bank Home Insurance
Houses aren’t perfect – and just like our bones begin to creak, so do your homes. Sainsbury’s Bank Home Insurance can help to protect you from the unexpected when you move into a new home, whether that’s a leaking tap or roof, theft, or accidental damage.
When you buy a new home, mortgage providers require you to take out buildings insurance. And contents insurance helps to protect your own possessions inside the home. With a range of optional extras, you can tailor your cover to your lifestyle and needs.
Protect your future with Sainsbury’s Bank Home Insurance today.
Sainsbury’s Bank Home Insurance is arranged and administered by Sainsbury’s Bank and is underwritten by a carefully selected range of insurers. When you get a quote we will tell you who the insurer is before you buy the policy.
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