What to Ask when Looking for a Property to Buy or Rent

Looking for somewhere to live is a big decision. Whether you are buying or renting, it is important that you find a place that you are happy with. For most people, property hunting can be a bit stressful at times, so it is always best to get in touch with local estate agents in the area that you want to move to, like this Stonehouse estate agents http://www.tgres.co.uk/office-locations/stonehouse-estate-agents/

Local estate agents have a good knowledge of the area, and of the local property market, as this can differentiate between areas. Having a chat with a few local estate agents can let them know what you are looking for so that they can get in touch with you if something comes up that you might be interested in, as well as the fact that you can ask them questions and get advice.

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If you are looking at a rental property, here are some of the questions that you might want to ask…

Who is in charge of managing and maintaining the property – if something breaks or stops working, who do you contact and who will be responsible for it? This is important to know at the start, so that if you have something break down suddenly, you know straight away what to do.

Ask about the gas and electricity safety. This should be tested regularly and there should be documents that prove that both the gas and the electricals in the house have been tested. For gas in particular you should be aware of the fact that you must have a gas safety certificate.

Find out if there are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in the property. You should also ensure that they are fitted correctly and have been checked to make sure that they are working – these could save your life.

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If you are buying a property, you might want to ask these questions…

Why is the owner selling in the first place? It is a good idea to try and find out if there are any problems in the area which may have prompted this, such as nightmare neighbours, or antisocial behaviour.

How long has it been for sale – this can really help when it comes to negotiating and means that if the owners are desperate to sell, they might accept a lower price.

Russell Crown
Russell Crown is a seasoned home decor and improvement enthusiast with a passion for turning houses into homes. With years of experience, he shares his expertise through creative DIY projects, insightful tips, and practical advice for homeowners looking to elevate their living spaces. Follow Russell for inspiring ideas to transform your house into a dream home.