‘Crucial’ questions you ‘need’ to ask at property viewings - answers could be a ‘red flag’

Buying a house can be daunting, even for those who are not first-time buyers, chances are it's been some years since you last went through the process. However, asking important questions when viewing, can help to avoid "red flags" later in the buying process, according to one expert.

By Angela Patrone, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

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With spring being dubbed as one of the best times to buy a and falling from their peak, many Britons will be looking to move or buy their first house. When buying a house it is important to ask the the right questions. Estate agents are legally bound to tell the truth and it could make the difference between buying a dream home or buying a dud. With this in mind, Anna McEntee from the home insurance team at Comparethemarket has shared a list of “crucial” questions that house hunters “need” to keep in mind when viewing a property.

She said: “Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve been through the purchase process before, viewing a potential new home can be an exciting experience. 

“However, purchasing a property is a big investment - and commitment - so, it’s crucial that prospective homeowners ask all the right questions when viewing, to ensure they’re making the right decision.” 

How long has the house been for sale?

The answer to this first question can potentially be quite revealing, according to Anna. The expert warned if it’s been on the market for upwards of three months, “something might be putting buyers off”.

She said: “It could be the price or it could be something less obvious. Have a word with the estate agent to find out more.” There may not be anything wrong and the property may simply be overpriced. Whatever the issue, a long time on the market might mean that the seller would accept a lower price.

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For sale sign in yard of house

How long a house has been for sale can potentially be quite revealing (Image: Getty)

How long have the sellers lived there? 

According to Anna, a property that’s only been lived in for a short time before it was put back on the market “could be a red flag”. 

She said: “The reasoning behind the sale could be perfectly innocent but it’s worth investigating either way.” 

The owner might just be moving to a different area or a bigger property, but there could be plenty of other reasons that are unappealing to a prospective buyer.

Is there a chain?

This’ll tell house-hunters how long the whole process is likely to take. If the current owners haven’t yet found a new place or are in a chain, buyers might want to keep looking elsewhere, depending on their ideal timeline.

The ideal situation is that the property is chain-free but, if not, knowing that the sellers are organised and keen to move quickly can bode well for an uncomplicated sale.

What’s the area like?

Schools, parks, transport links, and leisure facilities are a few of the things the expert advised asking about. 

She said: “You can of course find out a lot from your own research but someone who’s lived there before will be able to give you a better insight into the feel of the area.”

What work has been done on the house?

If major renovations have been done, buyers should ask to see builders’ receipts, guarantees, and proof of planning permission. 

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Modern extension built onto the side of a listed period property.

If an extension has been built without planning permission, you may have to tear it down (Image: Getty)

Anna warned: “If an extension has been built without planning permission, you may have to tear it down.” It’s also a good idea to ask about any damp issues or flooding they may have had in the past.

What’s included in the sale?

It is vital to find out exactly what’s included in the sale. It is important to ask whether fixtures and fittings, garden sheds and greenhouses, and the satellite dish will be left behind.

What internet access is available?

If the house is located in a rural area, house-hunters want to know what types of broadband they’ll have access to. An ultra-fast connection may be especially important if you or someone in your household works from home.

Can you turn on the taps?

Anna explained that low water pressure is one thing but a tap that only lets out a trickle could be an indicator of a larger problem. 

hand under faucet with low pressure water stream

Watch out for water pressure during house viewings (Image: Getty)

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She urged potential buyers to pay attention to how long it takes for hot water to come through, find out the age of the boiler, and ask when it was last serviced.

What are the neighbours like?

Even the most perfect property can be tainted by a bad neighbour. The expert informed sellers are legally obliged to tell you if they’ve had any past disputes with the neighbours, so it’s definitely a good idea to add this to the list of questions to ask.

How much are the council tax and utility cost?

It’s good to understand the potential outgoings of a new home, so it’s worth asking for rough costs of council tax and utility bills. 

It’s also a legal requirement for sellers/estate agents to share the EPC rating, so request this to understand how energy-efficient the property is, as that will impact energy bills.

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