Doing your research is key when buying a property, but it is easy to get swept up in the process, especially when you find a home that ticks all your boxes.
Before making an offer, property experts share the questions you must ask - and they could save you thousands of pounds.
Checking the boiler, energy efficiency, and broadband speed could save you in the long run, according to property experts at St. Modwen Homes.
They said: "A home can look perfect on the surface, but the real costs often lie beneath. Buyers should feel empowered to ask the right questions and not get swept up in the excitement of a viewing. From hidden maintenance issues to future resale complications, a little curiosity can save you thousands down the line."
Boilers can be costly to replace
PAHere are the questions you must remember to ask:
"How old is the boiler - and when was it last serviced?"
Old boilers are not only more expensive to run, but can cost you thousands of pounds to replace if they break. The experts explained: "That freshly installed kitchen might win you over, but don’t let aesthetics distract from the essentials. Boilers typically last 10 to 15 years, and a full replacement can cost anywhere from £2,000 to £4,500, depending on the system.
"So, if the boiler is towards the end of its lifetime, it’s worth negotiating on price - or asking for it to be replaced before completion. This, of course, won’t be an issue on newbuilds or newer homes."
"What is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?"
Similarly, a property that is not energy-efficient can be costly to maintain. It may also mean you need to replace doors and windows to preserve heat.
The experts continued: "The EPC is a crucial yet often overlooked document when buying a home. It rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and gives an indication of how much it will cost to heat and power the home.
"Energy bills are rising, and sustainability matters more than ever, so taking a look at the EPC can provide valuable insight into potential running costs of the home – and help you save thousands.
"For example, a one-bedroom flat with an EPC rating of ‘A’ could have average yearly energy bills of around £515, while a similar property with a ‘G’ rating might face costs as high as £3,717. That’s a striking difference of more than £3,200 every year."
"What’s the broadband speed and mobile signal like?"
Living in an area with poor signal can be frustrating, but it can also be pricey. You could be left paying over the odds for the limited providers that are available in your area.
"Hybrid working is here to stay, and digital connectivity is more important than ever - yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked details when buying a property," the expert added.
"Check speeds using online postcode tools, and ask current owners about blackspots or dropped calls. You don’t want to find out your video calls freeze after you’ve created the perfect home office in a Wi-Fi blackspot."
"What’s the parking situation really like?"
The property pros continued: "A designated space on the listing doesn’t always guarantee stress-free parking. Ask neighbours or check during peak hours to see how crowded the street gets - especially if the property is nearby a school or high street.
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The parking situation can make a difference
GETTY"If it’s a permit-only situation, find out how many you can apply for - and what visitors will need. Parking issues can seriously affect your quality of life, and even the resale value of your property. Homes with ample parking can fetch up to 13 per cent more than those without."
"What’s lurking in the loft (and who’s been up there)?"
This is often overlooked, but it can be revealing. A poorly installed loft insulation can cause issues with damp and mould that can cost upwards of £2,000 to correct.
The experts added: "It’s the one place you rarely get to inspect during a viewing - but what’s going on in the attic can reveal a lot about a home’s condition. Rodent droppings, old asbestos insulation, and dodgy DIY wiring can all be hiding in plain sight.
"So, during your visit, ask when the loft was last inspected and whether it's been properly insulated - and don’t be afraid to request access during your second viewing."
