What to look for when buying a flat.?
Question:Hi all,
We are buying a flat for the first time. In your vast experience, what would be the top things to look out for, other than the obvious rooms and windows etc.
Many thanks
Chas and Dave
Answers:
Prescence of pests or evidence of pests
Black or brown staining on roofs that could indicate leaks or mold
"Healthy looking" appliances, heaters, boilers, air conditioners.
Wood rotting either inside or outside
Bends in the cieling or nail pops indicative of a sagging roof.
Anomalous markings on the walls that may indicate a gaping whole was recently patched up
Doors and locks that dont appear scarred and dented like someone tried to break in
termites and wood ants inside and out
if your allergic, look for evidence of past pets
check the circuit breaker and make sure the house if aged can support your power requirements as some older homes can not.
cracking, yellowing, and wrinkles in linoleum usually indicate a need for replacement
cracks in tile or the grout need to be sealed or replaced as this lets water onto your subfloor
bare areas of carpet and traffic areas may need to be addressed.
Dripping faucets, slow draining sinks and calcium, lime and rust on faucets and fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens
Check out your new neighbours! They can make a place aweful or great.
Convenience to your lifestyle and work are good factors.
Check things like plumbing and electrical- should get a good inspector...these problems can cost a lot.
Price, location.don't expect any appreciation in value over the next few years or more.
What else is important to you in a home?
You will have to get a survey done. This will pick up any major problems. Otherwise just make sure it is wind and watertight has no dampness, oh and you want to live there!
a cat and a rat dont bat it thought
length of lease if its under 70 years you may struggle to get a mortgage, and the freeholder will want big money for extending to 99 years.
Ground rent, service charges, maintenance funds. view area at night/weekends, any residents like the cd player wound upto 11.
Check the lease is long, find out how much the maintenance charges are,these are the two most important facts you need to know. Find out if the boiler has been service regular and when the place was last rewired. Obviously if its a new or nearly new, then this is not so relevant. Other than that, its just the usual things like the state of the place and does it need decorating, can you get everything in without it being too cramped.
all wonderful answers but noise also would do it for me.
get a local fitter to fix a new pipe
Shared maintenance contract details - some have been known to go up by 25% in one jump.
Other than obvious size etc, is it light and airy? Is there any noise from other neighbours, traffic? Is it a good location? Is it close to good transport links like train, bus, tram - even if you don't use them, the people you sell on to next time might. Is there good parking, preferably allocated? How much is the Council tax? How much is the ground rent paid annually to the freeholder? How much is the service charge paid to the maintenance company and what does this cover? Does the freeholder or maintenance company pay the buildings insurance and do you need to contribute to this? Are there communal grounds and are they well kept? Does the whole area create a good impression? Remember just because you don't mind living in a mess, you may find it difficult to resell if the surrounding area is not good. Is there good outside street lighting at night? Does the area feel 'safe'?Are the rubbish areas clean and tidy? Why are the other people moving? How long have they been there? Do they know their neighbours - ie on speaking terms? If you like the place and are serious about buying, also remember to ask - where are the water tanks - both hot and cold water? Where are the stopcocks for these? You may be amazed to know that sometimes the stopcocks for your tank may be in someone else's flat and this could cause you a problem in an emergency... Good luck.
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