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.