7 Questions to Ask When Buying a Property in Doncaster

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Moving Home Mortgage Advice in Doncaster

1. How Much Interest has Been Shown in the House

2. Is there a property chain?

3. Included in the Sale?

4. What are your new neighbours like?

5. Running Costs

6. Your Garden

7. Home Improvements

Ask More Questions When Moving Home in Doncaster

Moving Home Mortgage Advice in Doncaster

Whether you’re a first time buyer or are moving home in Doncaster, buying a property can be stressful and overwhelming. It shouldn’t be this way though, you should be able to enjoy the whole experience.

It would be extremely beneficial if you could prepare yourself during the lead-up to your home buying journey. You should start by asking questions about the property and where it is located.

1. How Much Interest has Been Shown in the House

New build properties tend to be more popular and in higher demand. If you come across a new build that you’re interested in, take a property viewing before you go any further.

You need to find out how many people have been interested in the property; you have to ask the question, or it may show you online. If there’s been no interest in the property, there may be a reason for it, e.g. it could be overpriced or there’s something wrong with it.

2. Is there a property chain?

A property chain is where you are waiting for your seller’s purchase to go through before you can move in. This can go on and on; your seller’s seller could always be in the same situation as you. If you aren’t in a chain, you may be able to move through your process quickly.

It can sometimes be hard to find out if there is a property chain, however, it’s always worth asking the question as the seller may tell you.

If you are a first time buyer in Doncaster, you will not be part of a chain as you are not selling a property, only buying.

3. Included in the Sale?

Some homes may come with ‘extras’ or incentives to persuade you to buy the house. This could be something like them asking what appliances you would like in your kitchen.

Older homes may come with unwanted appliances owned by the seller. It’s wise to check with the owner what these appliances are and whether they are included in the sale or offered at an additional price.

It’s wise to clarify as you may be left with unwanted items that you then need to remove and dispose of.

4. What are your new neighbours like?

Try to speak with the neighbours and get a feel for how they are and their opinion on the area.

On new building developments, this may be a little more difficult.

5. Running Costs

You will want to find out about the running costs that are involved with the property too. What are the costs for gas, heating, electricity, water (particularly if it’s a newer home with a water meter). Also, things like Council Tax charges.

6. Your Garden

When viewing the property, get a good look at the garden, make sure that it’s what you’re looking for. Everyone enjoys spending time in the garden, even if it is mostly in summer!

Ask whether the garden is southern-facing and check how well natural light enters the garden etc.

7. Home Improvements

During your property survey, damages and repairs should be highlighted, however, it depends on which survey you took out. Ask lots of questions, particularly with older properties, as you want to make sure that you aren’t buying a property that’s going to need lots of repairs.

As with any property purchase, in the future, you may need to make improvements to energy efficiency, insulation, garden work etc.

Ask More Questions When Moving Home in Doncaster

Whenever you get the chance to, ask lots of questions before you buy a home. You want to learn everything about the property you could spend your whole life in!

Estate agents and the seller should be happy to answer your questions, and if they are, maybe it could be a warning sign if they are withholding information. If you do find out information about the property that could reduce its overall price, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Don’t be too keen and offer to high to start with and remember to take into consideration other factors such as when you would be able to move in and that fits your expectations.

Date Last Edited: December 6, 2023