Whether you are buying your first home or moving up the housing ladder, buying a property in Norwich is an exciting and overwhelming experience, and there are a lot of things to consider before making the final decision. One of the most critical aspects is viewing the property itself. Viewing a property can be nerve-racking as you try to imagine yourself living in the space and picturing your daily life in the new environment. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared with a list of questions to ask during the viewing to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 questions to ask when viewing a property in Norwich and across Norfolk.
1 – How long has the property been on the market?
One of the first things to ask when viewing a property is how long it has been on the market. This will give you an idea of how popular the property is and whether there have been any issues with selling it. If the property has been on the market for a long time, it may indicate that there is something wrong with the property, or it’s overpriced. On the other hand, if the property has just come on the market, you may want to act fast if you’re interested in it.
2 – What’s the asking price, and how negotiable is it?
Another important question to ask is the asking price of the property. This will give you an idea of whether the property is within your budget or not. If the property is overpriced, you may want to negotiate with the seller to lower the price. However, it’s important to remember that some sellers may be less willing to negotiate, especially if the property is in high demand.
3 – What’s included in the sale?
When viewing a property, it’s important to know what’s included in the sale. This could include fixtures and fittings such as curtains, blinds, light fittings, and appliances. Knowing what’s included will help you to budget for any additional costs that you may incur when you move in.
4 – What’s the condition of the property?
The condition of the property is another crucial aspect to consider when viewing a property. This includes the state of the building itself, as well as any fittings and fixtures inside the property. It’s essential to ask about any repairs or renovations that may need to be done and factor this into your budget.
5 – Are there any problems with the property?
It’s also important to ask about any problems with the property, such as dampness or structural issues. This will give you an idea of any potential costs that may be incurred in the future. It’s also a good idea to ask about any noise pollution, such as traffic or neighbours.
6 – What’s the energy rating of the property?
Another important question to ask is the energy rating of the property. This will give you an idea of the energy efficiency of the property and any potential costs associated with heating and cooling the property. You may also want to ask about any insulation in the property, as this can also affect energy efficiency. With energy prices at such high levels, now more than ever is important to know how efficient your home is.
7 – What’s the parking situation like?
If you have a car, it’s important to ask about the parking situation when viewing a property. Is there a designated parking space, or is it street parking? If it’s street parking, how easy is it to find a space? If the property has a garage, is it included in the sale?
8 – What’s the local area like?
It’s essential to consider the local area when viewing a property. This includes the amenities available, such as shops, schools, and public transport. It’s also a good idea to research the crime rates in the area and any future developments that may affect the area.
9 – What’s the council tax band?
Council tax is a tax that is paid to the local council to pay for local services, such as rubbish collection and road maintenance. The council tax band is an important factor to know as this will influence how much your council tax bill will be each month.
10 – How many people are involved in the chain?
The length of the chain is the number of other purchases/sales that are reliant on everyone completing to proceed with the purchase. The bigger the chain, the higher the risk of delays and or someone pulling out during the process. Smaller chains typically can complete quicker because there are fewer parties involved which could slow down the process.
