Buying property
Freehold, leasehold & commonhold - what does it all mean?
Obtaining a mortgage
Making an offer
The legal process
Costs and fees
Buy-to-let
Choosing a property
Viewing properties can be long and laborious if you haven't identified exactly what you want and where. Research the areas you are interested in, paying particular attention to the things that are most important to you, such as local amenities, transport links, schools, open space and council-tax bands.
When you have found the area/s you want to live in and the type of property you can afford, it's time to start viewing properties. It's best to have a list of things to ask and look out for, to help you identify properties that might be worth a second viewing, for example:
- Ask to see a copy of the energy performance certificate (EPC).
- If it is a leasehold property, how many years are left on the lease?
- Check out the boiler.
- Does the property have gas central heating?
- What council-tax band is the property in (check the HIP)?
- Does the property have double glazing?
- Is the attic well insulated (check the EPC)?
- If the property is leasehold, are there any service charges?
- Is the property near suitable transport links?
When viewing a property, it is best to take a friend or relative with you for a second opinion. All Winkworth viewings are accompanied. If you like the property, make sure you view it at different times of the day to get a better idea of what living in the property and the area is really like.
