Property Knowledge Property Questions & Answers


Q A


I am about to start my property search viewing properties. What questions


should I be considering? When viewing a property, on your


short list of houses to view, there are


certain important questions you need to ask, in order to make an informed opinion, if it is the one on which you will be making an offer. Here are some of the points to consider.


At the viewing Bring a close friend or relative with you, preferably someone with different tastes, who can spot things that you may miss. Do not bring children with you, as this will distract your attention. Te children can always view at a later stage, when you have agreed terms to purchase.


Always view in daylight hours, so that everything is visible, including the garden.


If you really like the property, arrange a second viewing, at a different time of the day, to give you a different perspective.


Bring a clip board and make notes at the viewing, but avoid viewing too many houses on one day. Taking photographs would be most beneficial, but you will need the Vendor’s permission first.


Do not be pressurised by an Estate Agent in making an offer, until you are ready to do so.


QUESTIONS TO ASK


THE ESTATE AGENT 34 / PROPERTYMAIL


DEVELOPER WEBSITE


OPENING TIMES BUY OFF PLAN


Questions to ask the Estate Agent


1. Why are the Sellers moving? 2. If it is not a vacant property, is there an onward chain? 3. What is the Council Tax and average utilities bill, for the property? 4. How old is the central heating boiler? Is it on a maintenance agreement and when was it last serviced by a Gas Safe Engineer? 5. When was the property re-wired, or an electrical safety check carried out? 6. Does the property have loſt and cavity insulation? Ask to view the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property, obligatory for any property, for sale or to let. 7. Has there been any dispute with neighbours? 8. Who are the neighbours and do they have pets? 9. Is the property in a Conservation Area, or is it listed, as this may well restrict any future alterations. 10. Has the property been altered in any way, if so, were Planning and Building Regulations obtained, certified and final certificates issued? 11. Are there any Tree Preservation Orders in the garden? 12. What are the school catchment areas, for Primary and Secondary Schools? 13. Where are the nearest railway stations and bus stops? 14. Has the property suffered from any insurance claims for subsidence? 15. Has the property suffered from flooding, or is it in a zone likely to flood? 16. Have there been any problems with the drains, is it on public mains drains? 17. How long has the property been on the market, has it been reduced in price and are the Vendors flexible in price, to accommodate an early sale?


Remember, having collated the information and agreed a price to buy, this is subject to contract and survey. Your solicitor will carry out an in depth pre-contract enquiry, to ensure that the information, verbally supplied to you by the Estate Agent/Seller is correct, before you are contractually bound.


Q A


I am buying a house which is listed. What does this mean?


A listed building is a building of special architectural or historic


interest, which is listed by the Welsh Government under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.


Listed means when a building is included on a Listed Building Register it is necessary to apply for ‘Listed Building Consent’ from the National Park Authority before carrying out works which would affect the buildings character.


Contrary to popular belief, listed means all of the building, both inside and out, plus the area around the building is protected and this applies to all grades.


Be cautious when buying a listed property, if you intend to do major alterations or extensions, as this may not be possible. Te local council employs a ‘Conservation Officer’ who will grant (or withhold) permission to make changes.


Before you buy, your solicitor will check that the current Vendors, have carried out any works in the past, and have obtained ‘Listed Building Consent’ planning permission, as otherwise you will inherit these problems and there is no time limit on enforcement of such repairs.


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