6 things Leeds home buyers should focus on when purchasing in city according to a leading property expert
Looking at a new home can feel overwhelming, but Leeds property expert Mark Manning offers practical tips to help home buyers navigate the process.
Zoopla recently trialled eye-tracking tech on home viewings to find out what buyers focus on when viewing properties. It found that the majority of their time (almost 60%) was spent looking at home furnishings and interior design touches, rather than the bones of the property.
Mark Manning, managing director of estate agent, Manning Stainton, explains what buyers should really be looking at when viewing a property to avoid any costly surprises in the future:
Concentrate on heating and electrics
Heating systems and electrics both cost a lot to update and fix, so it’s really important to check both out when viewing a property.
Mark said: "Look at the condition of the electric consumer unit and ask the agent when the wiring was last updated. If there are sockets on skirting boards and dated-looking switches, it’s probably due to a re-wire. Similarly, ask about the age of the boiler and have a look at it.
"If it’s more than 10 years old or looks very dated, it might require updating or be nearing the end of its life."
Check out the windows
Mr Manning said: “Look closely at windows when viewing a home and ask the agent how old they are, as they are key to a cosy, energy-efficient home but often cost a lot to replace.
“If they look old or have signs of condensation, they’re probably going to need to be updated, so it’s worth speaking to a specialist to get a rough cost for replacing them so you can factor that in when making an offer.”
Take a close look at the roof
Replacing a roof is another expensive job, so it’s really important to check the condition of them when viewing homes.
Mark explains: “Look for signs of leaks and water stains on inside ceilings and look for any loose tiles or cracking cement on the outside of the roof. Check that the chimney flashing looks ok too.
“To check a roof on a viewing, walk to the end of the garden or to the other side of the street to get a good view and compare it to other homes around it. You can pop your head up into the loft too to check everything looks and smells dry.”
Structure
To the untrained eye, it’s often very hard to spot structural issues, but when you view a home make sure to check inside and outside walls for any obvious big cracks. Check that internal doors and windows open and close properly too.
Ask the EPC rating
Ask the agent what the EPC rating of the property is, if it’s very low or has a big gap between its current and potential rating, it could mean you might need to make costly updates to make the home comfortable and energy efficient.
Always get a surveyor’s opinion
One of the most important things to do when buying a home is to get a survey.
Mark said: “This is something I always advise people not to skimp on, as a good surveyor will spot things you won’t and will be able to give you a detailed insight into the exact condition of a property.”