BUYERS’ GUIDE
TIPS
RESEARCH AN AREA
Check online for prices of sold properties in the area, and make sure properties you like fit your budget. You can search for recent sold prices of property in any area at nethouseprices.com, and also on property portals like rightmove.co.uk/zoopla.co.uk. Aerial shots of an area can be viewed at google.co.uk/maps; switch to “satellite view”. Before you put in an offer, visit the street at different times of the day and night. You could also ask neighbours and local shop owners about the area.
Buying a property is a big investment. You need to make sure you buy a home that you can afford and one you will be happy living in. LOCATION IS KEY The first step is to shortlist the locations you feel you’d like to live in, then check if you can afford the house prices in those areas. It’s also worthwhile visiting places you like: it may be that there’s an up-and-coming hot spot just down the road you didn’t know about that’s much more affordable. Ideally, you will have rented in the area before buying, but if this isn’t the case, at least spend some time there, check out the commuting time to work, and look at local pubs, shops and leisure facilities. Visit the area at night, too. PROPERTY SEARCH Once you have found the right location, go online and check out what’s on offer. Most homes are listed on property portals such as rightmove.co.uk, onthemarket. co.uk, or zoopla.co.uk, plus estate agents’ websites. Properties featured have pictures, descriptions and a floor plan, and T horough research
sometimes a video. Also, sign up with as many local estate agents as you can. They should send you new properties that match your description, but it’s worth phoning them regularly. If you’re looking for a shared ownership property, search online at sharetobuy.com and propertybooking.co.uk.
VIEWING
Once you see a property you like, arrange a viewing. Most people see at least 10 properties before putting in an offer. It’s worth bringing a friend or relative and also arranging a second viewing to check out any bits you may have missed. Don’t get taken in by the furnishings and decor too much. Remember that a property that is slightly run down can still be a great investment and may only need a touch of paint and a change of furniture.
BEFORE YOU BUY
When looking at buying apartments, check exactly what is included in the service charge and how much it is. Also, ask about the terms of the lease and its length. If the lease has less than 80 years left, use this as a negotiating tool and make an offer below the asking price.
ESTATE AGENTS
It’s a buyers’ market, so make use of agents’ legwork in finding properties that fit your requirements. Be aware that estate agents are paid commission by the seller on the sale, so try to inspect the property yourself rather than just the parts the agent shows you. Don’t get sucked in by the hard sell.
VIEWINGS Look at several properties, and visit ones you like more than once and with someone else. Take a checklist.
SEARCH Register with local estate agents, and use the internet to search for properties. Set up alerts.
OFFER If the market is slow,
SURVEY Make sure you have a survey – it could save you money in the long run by spotting any problems.
SOLICITORS Compare quotes from solicitors, and ask your friends who they recommend. A good solicitor can make a big difference to whether a purchase completes or falls through. Online companies can be cheaper but are less personal.
SEARCHES Look at the results of searches your solicitor has done. They will tell you, for example, if a main road is about to be built at the end of your garden.
when making an offer, don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price. If the property needs work done, you can use this as a negotiating tool.
BUYING
First Time Buyer February/March 2025 99
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