First Time Nerves
advise for first time buyers
Location
When considering the location of a property you are viewing, here are some of the questions it might help to ask:
Area
- Find out what the local amenities are like – the nearest shops, hospital, leisure centre, recycling facilities, etc.
- Find out where the nearest public transport is and how frequently it runs.
- Find out about local schools and where they appear in the Government’s league tables.
- Ask if the sellers know of any plans for development in the area.
- Drive around the surrounding area to see what else is in the vicinity.
- Look at neighbouring properties to see what condition they are in.
- Ask if the area has ever flooded.
- Ask whether the property is in an area to receive a mobile phone signal, broadband, satellite or Freeview channels, etc.
Crime
- Find out what the crime level is like in the area.
- Ask if the property has ever been burgled or vandalised.
- Ask if the property is part of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
Neighbours
- Ask what the neighbours are like and whether they create a nuisance at all eg. their dog barks.
- Ask if the sellers have ever had a dispute with the neighbours (or anyone living nearby).
- Consider if the property is overlooked by surrounding buildings.
Noise
- Ask if the property is in a flight path and if so, how often planes fly overhead.
- Ask if there are any schools or businesses nearby that would cause noise at different times of the day or week.
- Find out if the property is on a route to or from a pub or club and whether this has caused any problems late at night.
- If the property is on a main road, find out if it is permanently busy or if it quietens at certain periods of the day.
