Normally, the seller's estate agent will show you around the house. The feel of the property is important but don't forget to score it against your list of requirements to ensure it really does meet your needs.
Inside, try to picture how you would use the space. Will your furniture fit, is there sufficient storage, would you need to redecorate, what type of heating system is there?
Outside check if there are slates missing from the roof, the condition of the gutters, the window frames and the walls. Don't worry if you are not able to assess the physical condition of the property as you can always opt to pay for a survey to give you this information. Consider the interior and exterior, the neighbouring properties and the area as a whole.
Look at the general neighbourhood and, if you're serious about the place, go back at different times of the day to see how busy the roads are, how easy it is to park, if there are children playing outside, how you would be affected by street lighting, etc.
Don't forget to consider the appearance of nearby houses as these would be your neighbours. Bear in mind, it's often said that the worst-looking house in a block is sometimes the best investment because it can improved relative to its neighbouring properties.
Find out as much as you can about the area. There are many issues that might affect your decision such as the local housing ownership proportions, council tax charges, crime figures, available local schools and local amenities.
Some of this information is available by asking around or by searching online at the Home Office and Cornwall Council.
However, if you're serious, a low-cost Areaview Light report will pull together a comprehensive range of neighbourhood and local amenity information offering you a valuable insight into the local area.
Since serious flooding hit Britain in 2007, an increasing number of people are taking time to check potential flood risks associated with a home. The Environment Agency provides some data but it is possible to obtain a full Flood Report that gives further information.
Ask the seller's estate agent if you can read through the HIP of the property you are viewing. Since April 2007 sellers have been obliged to produce a Home Information Pack (HIP) before putting their home up for sale.
The HIP contains important documents about a property such as results of local searches, ownership information, information regarding its energy efficiency and information designed to give potential buyers a better picture of the type of property and its surroundings.
As well as being very useful in the conveyancing process should you decide to buy the property, it can also give you useful information if you are simply interested. Your first viewing should allow you to eliminate some properties and shortlist others for a second viewing.
For all but the luckiest of us, your new home is a compromise different requirements so ensure you view a few properties to gauge what is available to you with your budget. Once you have found the property for you, you can place an offer for the property based upon the research you have conducted during your search.
