Buying Your First Home: Essential Questions to Ask

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone. However, it can also be an expensive one! When you step into a property, it's easy to focus solely on its aesthetics. But remember to check what's happening behind the scenes. This blog is designed to assist first-time buyers and home movers in asking the right questions during property viewings. It's something I wish I had when house hunting! I’m not a property expert, estate agent, or legal whiz. I’m just someone who’s navigated the chaos of buying a home (twice!) and lived to share the experience.

My Experience with Home Buying

When my husband and I began our journey, we viewed several flats. We were instantly smitten by a beautiful Victorian ground-floor flat. Everything seemed perfect: a good-sized bathroom, a huge freestanding bath (which I adored), and a garden - everything on my wishlist!

We quickly made an offer, which was accepted readily. However, my Dad advised us to pay for a full structural survey, noting that a nearby shop appeared to be subsiding. Alarm bells started ringing in my mind. We decided to go for it, investing a significant amount into the survey. To our shock, the results revealed serious structural issues; the flat was practically falling apart. We withdrew our offer and started looking again.

Our excitement had blinded us to the importance of asking questions. We trusted the estate agent too much. This adventure became a valuable lesson about what not to do next time.

What to Ask When Viewing a Property

The reality is that even the most stunning homes can hide costly problems. Asking the right questions early on can save you money and stress in the long run. It also signals to the seller and the estate agent that you're serious, prepared, and not likely to be caught off guard during the legal stages. Being equipped with the right questions is essential, whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage or an urban flat.

Why Ask Questions?

• Spot potential red flags early.

• Help budget for repairs and upgrades.

• Ensure the property is a solid investment.

• Gain negotiation power if issues are uncovered.

  
  

You deserve to make confident, informed decisions, not rush into something regrettable. That’s why I’ve created a free downloadable checklist you can take to every viewing!

Essential Questions to Ask the Seller or Estate Agent

(Use these during your viewing, or email the agent for extra information afterward.)

1. Key Information About the Property

Before falling in love with a property, gather its history and know how much interest it's generating. Understanding these fundamentals helps you decide if you’re getting good value or entering a bidding war.

Important questions to consider:

• When was the property built? (Older homes may come with charm but also hidden maintenance needs.)

• How long have the current owners lived there? (Short durations could hint at underlying issues.)

• Have there been many viewings or offers yet? (Indicates competition and whether the price is realistic.)

  
  

Why it Matters: The more you learn about the property’s background, the better you can appraise its value and identify red flags.

🔍 Top Tip:

If the seller or agent permits, take photos or a brief video walkthrough during your viewing. This strategy is invaluable when trying to recall specifics about each property later.

2. Assessing Condition and Maintenance

While beautiful kitchens and trendy decor are enticing, it’s the invisible issues that can cost you thousands down the line.

Key questions to ask:

• How old is the boiler and heating system?

• When were the windows last replaced?

- Is there a FENSA certificate?

- Do the windows open and close properly?

- Are there any misted units?

• Is the loft insulated?

• Are there any plumbing or electrical issues?

• Has the house been rewired?

• What is the water pressure like?

• Is there a Smart Meter installed?

• Any signs of damp, mould, or past leaks?

• What condition is the roof in?

  
  

Why it Matters: Cosmetic issues can be resolved easily, but poor heating, insulation, plumbing, or wiring can lead to major expenses once you've moved in.

🛠️ Top Tip:

Bring someone knowledgeable about houses, particularly if they've done renovations before. They can identify aspects you might miss.

3. Insurance and Legal Matters

Buying a property involves more than just its physical attributes. Legal factors, such as previous insurance claims or planning permission issues, could result in delays and additional costs.

Key questions to ask:

• Has the property had any insurance claims?

• Have any insurance applications been declined?

• Has the house been extended?

- Is all planning permission and building control documentation in place?

• Are there any disputes with neighbours?

• What about boundary lines and fence ownership?

• Any shared access rights issues?

• Are there any restrictive covenants?

• Is the property within a flood zone?

  
  

Why it Matters: Legal and insurance issues can impact your current purchase, future resale value, insurance costs, and even your ability to sell later.

🛠️ Top Tip:

If you’re uncomfortable asking all these questions during the viewing, follow up by emailing them to the estate agent.

4. Practical Checks

Small, practical details can vastly affect your daily life in a new home.

Key questions to ask:

• Any pest issues?

• What’s underneath the flooring?

• Are fireplaces blocked or hidden?

• Which suppliers service the home?

• What’s the Council Tax band?

• Is the property near old mines or landfills?

• What’s the noise level like?

• What’s the mobile phone signal inside?

• Are there any local planning applications pending?

• Any conservation area restrictions?

  
  

Why it Matters: Understanding these practicalities helps you avoid surprise expenses and confirms that the home fits your lifestyle.

Important Note: Good estate agents expect questions. Answering them should build trust, not raise doubts.

Bonus FAQ: Common Questions First-Time Buyers Have

Should I get a survey even if the house looks fine?

Absolutely! A survey is crucial. It helps unearth hidden issues, potentially saving you from costly repairs down the road.

How can I ensure I don’t miss any issues during a viewing?

Take your time, visit at various times of the day, and bring someone along for a second opinion. Use your checklist, take notes, and don’t hesitate to ask for more details later.

How do I know if the price is fair?

Review comparable sales in the area to assess whether the property’s price is above or below market value. Understanding the seller’s motivations can also reveal if there’s room for negotiation.

🌟 Get Your Free "Home Buyers Property Viewing Checklist”

I've compiled all these questions into a handy checklist for you to take to every viewing—no more awkward fumbling through notes!

👉 Sign up for my newsletter and grab my FREE Home Buyers Checklist

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Thank you for reading this post! If you're searching for your first home and found this checklist helpful, please share it with friends and family. Your support is invaluable, and you may help someone else find their dream home!

If you need help once you’re settled in, check out my services - I'd love to assist you! Explore my Services here

Happy house hunting and best of luck on this thrilling journey!

Lorna xx