Questions To Ask If You’re House Hunting

Before you can make an offer on the house, you need to be absolutely sure it is the home for you. You need to know the property’s renovation and tenancy history and what is included in the price. Figure out your budget and remember to consider the additional costs, such as smaller renovations and tax. Finding the perfect home requires a lot of research and a knack for asking the right questions. Make sure your dream home aligns with your long-term needs too.

Here are a few things you should ask the letting agent and seller before signing the contract.

Why is the seller leaving?



You are well within your rights to ask the seller or letting agent why the home is being vacated. There may be a problem with planning permission, noisy neighbours or a hidden structural issue. Any issues with the property should be disclosed to you so you can find out as much information as possible. Asking this question can also determine whether there is any room for the price to come down a little.

What’s included in the price?

Ask whether the kitchen cabinets, furniture, curtains and blinds come with the house price. The seller might be open to leaving some furniture behind if it doesn’t go with their new home. Remember your initial budget and evaluate whether you can afford to raise it a little for your perfect home. If the home comes with some items, you may be able to save money on buying new ones.

When was the house last renovated?

It’s important to find out the age of the roof, boiler system and overall property. Ask if you can run a tap to check there is hot water on the property. Property records and listing descriptions offer have small disparities – which can cause you problems further down the line.

Some houses are renovation projects. If you are renovating, you still need to consider the major repairs and structural renovations that you will need to complete. A home’s improvement history can help you avoid mistakes and consider what worked for previous owners.

You should also look into the lifespan of essential appliances included in the property, like air conditioning and water heaters. If you need to replace the property’s gas boiler, see if you can negotiate the price down on the property for the inconvenience.

What are the neighbours like?

Try to find out if there are any ongoing disputes with neighbours on the road. Maybe you can clear the air if you move in or avoid them altogether. It’s always good to have a bit of history on the social layout of the area.

Moving to a new house can be a daunting and exciting time. Remember to research everything thoroughly and watch out for hidden costs.

*Collaborative post