Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but with excitement often comes the pressure to get it right.
The latest research from mortgage provider Aldermore shows that first-time buyers are often smart buyers, but a number of important checks are still being missed.
While many first-time buyers explore the area and ensure the boilers are in good condition, many forget to check some other essentials.
To help those about to start looking for their first home, Aldermore has shared what exactly people should look for during those home viewings.
It has broken down its research into the potential issues already on savvy buyers’ checklists, and then into the ones that fly under their radar.
And to help anyone looking to buy a home, Aldermore has also provided the top tips for what homebuyers should look for when looking at potential properties.
What starters already pay attention to
Neighborhood insight (42%): Nearly half said understanding the area was their first priority. From noise levels to transport links, location was still crucial.
Doors and windows in working condition (38%): Buyers rightly wanted assurance that a home was safe and well maintained.
Boiler age and maintenance history (34%): Practical concerns about heating efficiency and future repair costs were on the radar of a third of buyers.
Seeing a series of bills (31%): With the cost of living in mind, many wanted clarity on affordability beyond just mortgage payments.
State of the roof (31%): A smart check, as roofing problems can be costly if missed early.
Aldermore’s said this level of vigilance showed that first-time buyers were taking long-term value seriously, but there was still room to expand their checklist.
What potential buyers are missing
Despite their thorough approach, some crucial checks remained much less frequent, according to Aldermore’s research.
Checking these may not be the most exciting part of buying a home, but ignore them at your peril.
Water tank installation/maintenance (23%): This is often overlooked, but it is essential to understanding a home’s heating system and potential upgrade costs.
Signs of pests (22%): Infestations can be expensive and disruptive, yet only one in five buyers look for tell-tale signs.
Gutter inspection (22%): Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to damp, leaks and structural problems and these can all be avoided with a quick look.
Aldermore’s top tips for FTBs during their home search
Jon Cooper, mortgage director at Aldermore, thinks preparation is your biggest ally when it comes to buying your first home.
“If you know what to look for and what others often miss, you can turn a viewing into an opportunity that helps you buy the right property at the right price,” he added.
He explained that agents expect questions and being able to ask the right ones will give you greater insight and valuable negotiating power.
He said first-time buyers should ask themselves:
- why the seller is moving
- how long the property has been on the market
- whether there have been any major repairs or insurance claims
- any problems with neighbors, boundaries or shared spaces
- make it clear what exactly is included in the sale
- gain insight into the age and condition of important systems, such as electricity, windows and plumbing.
“Together,” Cooper said, “these questions help provide a clearer picture of potential risks and opportunities before an offer is made.”
Here are some more simple tips from Aldermore:
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Test things, don’t just look at them
Don’t be shy when it comes to interacting with the property. Open and close windows, run taps to check water pressure, flush any toilet, turn lights on and off, and check how doors fit into the frame. These simple actions can reveal signs of poor maintenance, hidden leaks or outdated electrical installations, all of which can cost money to repair.
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Ask for paperwork early
Request service details, warranties, manuals and recent energy bills as soon as you are interested.
These documents show how well the property has been maintained, help you estimate running costs and can highlight upcoming expenses, such as a boiler that needs replacing.
Getting this information early also gives you useful leverage during negotiations.
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Look up, look down, look back
Take a moment to inspect areas that sellers rarely emphasize. Look up at the condition of the roof and gutters, at the floorboards and skirting boards for signs of damp or movement and behind furniture for cracks or mold.
Problems often lurk in places you might not notice during a short walk.
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Bring someone with experience
A second pair of eyes can be invaluable. Whether it’s a friend who owns a home, a family member who has renovated before, or even a friend who is a builder, they can spot warning signs that you may miss.
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Visit at different times of the day
An area can change dramatically depending on the time of day. A quiet street at 10am can become busy with commuters or school traffic at 4pm.
Evening visits can reveal noise levels, lighting, security and parking options that are not apparent during the day. This will help you get a good idea of what life will actually be like there.
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Create a simple viewing checklist
For buyers who don’t want to leave any stone unturned, keep a simple checklist handy during viewings. For example, look for signs of damp, mold or musty odors, test the water pressure on all taps and walk the entire perimeter of the property.
Ask about broadband speed and mobile reception, assess how much natural light the home gets and realistically check storage space.
It is also worth confirming the council tax range and reviewing boundaries, fences and any shared access points to get a full picture of the property.