9 Things To Evaluate When Viewing A Property

There are lots of posts written about how to decide what type of property to view and how to raise a mortgage. But what about looking critically at the properties you view, ensuring they are suitable for your needs and a good investment? The good news is that you can find some of the most important factors to evaluate a property below. Read on to find out what they are. 

1. Curb appeal 

The first thing that you will need to evaluate when viewing a property is its curb appeal. This means what the home looks like from the outside, and it can give you an important insight into the way the property has been cared for. This is because if a property is well-maintained on the outside and doesn’t have flakes, cracks, and the garden is neat, it provides a good indication that the present owners have cared for the property, which means there are less likely to be hidden problems and issues that come to light later. 

2. Key questions about the property

After viewing the outside of the building, it’s a good idea to begin with some questions about the property itself. This is because the answers to these should inform your decision, and if they are not to your liking they can help you not get too carried away when viewing the property. 

The first question you should ask is how energy efficient the home is. This is because energy is a resource that costs money, so if a home is not energy efficient, it will cost you more to run. You should also inquire about whether there is a garage or private parking as these things can help lower your car insurance bill. Mobile and internet speed questions are also a good idea, especially if you work from home, and asking about the neighbor is always crucial. 

3.Key questions about the area 

In addition to asking about the neighbors, you also want to make sure that you inquire about the area in terms of safety, crime, and its facilities. In particular, is there a gym within walking distance of your home or on a public transport route? How far away is the closest public transport stop, and where does it take you? This is also an important question if any of your family members don’t drive or if you could find yourself without a car for some reason. 

4. Bedrooms

Things to evaluate in the bedrooms when looking at properties for sale include the size of the room and what size bed it would be suitable for. You’ll also want to take note as to whether there is a wardrobe in the room and whether it’s freestanding or built-in. This is because built-in wardrobes can be very space efficient, but it may mean you can’t bring your current bedroom furniture if you decide to go through with the sale. 

5. Bathrooms

The first thing to look for in a bathroom is dampness and mould. This can indicate that either there is not sufficient ventilation or that the suite has not been updated in some time. This is important to know because both of these things can lead to expensive renovation work once you have bought the property. 

Another thing to check in the bathroom is the water pressure. This is very important because it dictates the efficacy of any shower and tap. If the water pressure is poor, be sure to ask if the current owners have tried any ways to improve this and whether they were successful or not. 

6. Kitchen 

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it makes sense that you’ll want to check it through when viewing a property. Just like a bathroom, kitchens are places where we use water for washing and the like, so it’s important to check for issues like damp and mould as this can be very hard to get rid of. 

It’s also a good idea to evaluate the current kitchen suite for quality, condition, and whether you would be able to live with it or would need it ripped out once you have moved in. 

7. Living and dining room

One of the most important things to look for in the living and dining room is whether the furniture you already have will fit comfortably within the space. If not, and you decide to buy the property, you will need to buy all new, and this is something that can be pretty expensive. 

Be sure to also check any fireplaces whether they are wood, wood burning stoves, or electric to ensure they work. Also, will they fit with your lifestyle, as many with young families or health conditions prefer not to have open fires for safety reasons? 

8. Garden

Gardens really can make or break a sale, so you must check the yard space of a property you are viewing. The types of things you need to keep your eyes open for are the size of the outside space, and whether it’s viable to your needs. 

You’ll also need to check the condition of the garden and whether it’s grown over or well-maintained. If it’s the former, remember that if you buy the property you will need to complete extensive work before you can use it which can cost you a great deal in time, money and if you do the work yourself.  

9. Specific questions for viewing an apartment 

If you are viewing an apartment then there are some specific things you will need to evaluate. First of all, you’ll need to check that it’s a freehold property, and if it isn’t how many years are left on the lease. 

It’s also crucial that you check whether there is a service charge in place, because this will add to your monthly outgoings significantly. 

Last of all, you’ll want to find out whether there are any communal areas, like a laundry and whether there is any outside space. Be sure to ask to inspect these before you decide to go ahead with your purchase.