Buying a house in today’s market is tough even more so for first time buyers trying to get onto the property ladder. Trying to finds a house is very difficult and most are selling so quickly it leave first time buyers with very little time to catch their breath. Here are a few tips to make the most of your house hunting.
Plan
Know what you want and what you don’t want, sit down and make a checklist know the area you want to live in and how far out of your comfort zone you’re willing to go. When viewing a lot of properties things can get very confusing, take pictures of the rooms and the surroundings on your phone so you have a reference point, bring a notebook take names and numbers of the estate agent showing you the property. Write down details that jump to mind while in the house, questions to ask later or specific points to remember such as; is there parking, where does the properties Water Supply come from?
Before you go
Make the most of your time by viewing properties all in the same area. Take a good look around the property, how far is it to the nearest shop? Are there public transport links? Are the roads well maintained, is the property off a main road if so how will they be in winter? Is the house on a hill or in a dip? Is the area prone to flooring? Do you need to pay for parking? Local Amenities School?
While you are there
Ask as many questions as you need, ask the age of the property, any previous structural issues, what might need to changed or repaired going forward. Had the house any extensions? Did it require planning permission, if so do the plans reflect this? If you are looking at a country house does it have a septic tank, how old is it? Do you have access to it? What is the WIFI speed like?
What heating system if any is in place? How old is the boiler when was it last service? Is there any insulation in the building? Has the BER been done what rating is it?
After your viewing
Do your research and your sums, can you walk right into the property or does it need work? Can some of the work be stretched out or will you need to do it all at once? If the property is older than 2006 you may be entitled to an SEAI grant for the following works:
Insulation in roof/attic,
Internal, external and cavity wall insulation,
Solar panels,
Boiler upgrades Heating Controls
For more information check out our Retrofit measures page.