Top Five Deal Breakers for House Hunters
If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve probably got a list of things you’re looking for. Whether that’s a large spacious garden, an open plan living space or a specific number of bedrooms, there are naturally going to be some things on the list that you’re set on, and others which you’re willing to compromise.
However, when hunting for a house, there are certain elements of a property that run deeper and, even if everything else is perfect, might make or break you making a sale. Below, we list the five top deal breakers for house hunters- often the most costly and difficult things to change.
If you’ve ever lived in a house that suffered from damp or mould, you’ll know how much it can affect a property. Not only does it look unsightly, but it smells bad too. What’s more, it can be extremely harmful to the health of the household and is often a sign of more costly structural issues, such as water leaks or subsidence.
Outdated or shoddily installed plumbing and electrics could be an extremely expensive surprise if you’re not made aware of them prior to moving in. Not only are utilities a big job to replace, but if you decide to just get by with what's there, you could be putting your family in danger. Old wiring could lead to an electrical fire, meanwhile outdated plumbing could lead to flooding and mould.
If you hear the word ‘asbestos’ mentioned when house hunting, it’s usually best to run in the opposite direction. Asbestos is a major red flag; it poses a serious health hazard (it’s a carcinogen) and although it was banned in the 80s, some properties haven’t been altered since and still have the harmful material present. Asbestos insulation looks chalky or like fibreglass with air chambers on the end, and is particularly dangerous if it’s disintegrating.
Although the price of a house may seem cheap, this doesn’t mean it’ll be cheap to run. Some older properties still have ageing insulation and single glazing just about intact, meaning they cost a small fortune to heat. You should check the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) of the properties you’re interested in and weigh up the costs of installing double glazing and cavity wall insulation in comparison to the overall price.
Of course, location plays a crucial role in whether you choose to make an offer on a house or not. Are you looking for a family home with schools nearby? Do you need to commute, if so, what are the local transport links like? Is the area up and coming or past its prime? Remember that, whilst all of the above deal breakers can be rectified (even if it does cost a bomb), location is the one thing you cannot change and is often the biggest deal breaker for house hunters.
When looking for a new home, it’s a good idea to get advice from the professionals. Here at Andrew Lee & Co Property Lawyers, we can help you make sense of your contract so that you don’t get caught out by something that could be a dealbreaker for you. We offer a range of conveyancing services to a variety of clients from first-time buyers to developers and investors. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
