16 Jan Essential Things To Think About Before Buying An Older Property
Essential Things To Think About Before Buying An Older Property
While some people may prefer to purchase a glossy new build, there are others who enjoy the quirkiness and character of an older property. In the UK, in particular, you will find all kinds of intriguing old homes just waiting for someone to give them a chance – from tumbledown rural cottages to stately Victorian townhouses.
Of course, while there are a number of benefits to purchasing a more ‘mature’ property, deciding to buy an older home does come with its own unique challenges, so it’s important that you’re well-prepared. To help ensure that the purchase of your old property goes as seamlessly as possible, here are some vital factors to consider before you commit to buying.
Check For Cracks And Other Signs Of Wear
In Britain, any home that pre-dates the 1940’s is deemed to be an older property – which means that the old house you are considering buying will have survived at least one World War, not to mention decades of weathering. As a result, it’s hardly surprising that a number of old properties fall prey to structural damage over time – damage which could potentially be very costly to rectify. If there is an older home that you’re considering, it’s vital that you examine it with a critical eye to look out for any signs of serious damage or decay.
In particular, check for any sizeable cracks on the walls, as well as damaged roof tiles, leaking guttering, and any signs of damp or mould inside the home. If you notice that some patches of the wall have been recently painted, be sure to ask why, as this could have been done on purpose to cover up stubborn mould or damp.
Invest In A House Survey
Even if the older property you are considering seems structurally sound, it’s still worth calling in a surveyor to make sure there are no underlying issues. Things like a house survey checklist can be useful to make sure you don’t miss anything significant. For old homes, a RICS Level 3 survey is recommended, as it offers a more in-depth inspection that is sure to throw up any potential issues that could prove costly to fix.
Ask The Seller Questions
When you are invited to view an older property that you are interested in, don’t be shy when it comes to asking the seller plenty of questions. A homeowner will have a much more detailed knowledge of the home than an estate agent, so they can fill you in on any quirks or unique features you may not have been aware of.
In particular, you should ask them questions about the plumbing and electrical systems. These are obviously more likely to go wrong in an older home than in a much newer and more modern property. Don’t hesitate to ask for certificates to verify when the wiring and heating systems were last checked, to ensure that the home is safe for you to move in and that you won’t be faced with expensive boiler repairs in the near future.
Consider Any Special Features
One of the benefits of buying an old property is the unique and potentially valuable period features they can contain. Some of these original components have the potential to add a substantial amount to the value of the property, so if you are buying an older house as an investment, then you should definitely be on the lookout for certain features. For example, wood-burning stoves, stained glass windows, parquet flooring, ceiling roses, and dormer windows are in increasing demand from buyers.
However, while these period features can bring some additional value to your home, you also need to consider the cost of keeping them in good condition, particularly if you don’t plan to sell the property any time soon.
Make Sure It’s Well Insulated
Insulation can be an issue when purchasing an old property, not only because they may lack sufficient insulation but also because, in some cases, their structure can make it difficult to add insulation after you buy. A lack of adequate insulation can cause a number of problems; for example, a poorly insulated house will be colder, damper, and much less energy efficient, making it significantly more costly to heat. If it is a terraced or semi-detached building, you may also have problems with noise levels.
Of course, these insulation issues are hardly surprising. As older homes were built decades ago, they will have been constructed using different materials and techniques in comparison to new builds. As a result, if you are hoping to buy an older or period property, it’s important that you ascertain how well-insulated it is, and whether any additional insulation can be added to improve energy efficiency and help to keep damp and mould at bay.
In Conclusion
As we have seen, buying an older home comes with its own unique challenges, and there are a number of things you should be on the lookout for. However, provided you are careful and considered, and have any necessary checks carried out, there is no reason why buying an old property shouldn’t bring you plenty of joy and a family home to cherish for many more years to come.