Viewing the Inside

When you've found a property that you like, always come back for a second (or third) visit. During these viewings, you have the perfect opportunity to make a closer inspection of its condition. Is it in good condition, are the windows, roof and floorboards sound? Does it have enough storage space, power points and light fittings? If not, is it reflected in the price?

Go prepared with a tape measure, pen, and paper to write everything down, and to note any fixtures that the seller wants to either sell or leave. It may be useful to have sizes of any bulky furniture and rough measurements of your current accommodation for comparison. You will need to consider the following points:

Is it Suitable?

• Which way did the rooms face? When do they get the sun?
• Is there space for your furniture? Is there enough space in the kitchen or dining room for the size of table you need? You might need to move radiators to make your furniture fit.
• Is there enough storage? If there are no built-in cupboards or wardrobes, you may need to install some or buy freestanding storage. Either way, it will reduce the size of the rooms.
• Will the kitchen be suitable? If you're not planning to replace units, check whether there are enough work surfaces and that the utility area is big enough for your appliances - and any you may want to install in the future.
• Is there room to expand? Would it be possible to get a loft conversion or build an extension? Even if you don't need it yourself, the capacity to expand will always add to the value of a property.
• Is access to the property or garden awkward? Might anyone need to get through the front or back door with a bike, pushchair, or wheelchair? Is it straightforward to get to the garden? Is access to the property and up the stairs generally easy for removals?

Is it in Good Working Condition?

• How old is the central heating system? Is it gas, oil or electric? Ask to see heating bills.
• How well is the house insulated? Is there cavity-wall insulation? Check the loft is well insulated - with the light off you shouldn't see any daylight.
• Is there enough water pressure? Turn on a tap to check, on each storey.
• Inspect the state of the decoration. Be wary of new paint or wallpaper, which may be hiding cracks or damp patches.
• Have a good look at old plasterwork and if it looks unsound tap it - a hollow sound means that it will need replacing.

Is it Sound?

• Does the property have a damp-proof course? Check for signs of damp or damp smells. Feel walls for moisture, which can be caused by condensation, and check windows for condensation. Damp is one of the most difficult and expensive problems to get rid of.
• If possible, visit an old property after a heavy rainfall, when any leaks in guttering or tiling should become obvious.
• Look for signs of subsidence, such as cracked walls and doors that stick or don't hang correctly.
• Check the roof timbers for signs of damp, woodworm or other boring insects.
• Test the floorboards. If a floor is springy, it could mean that the joists are rotten.
• How old is the piping (lead piping will need replacing) - and are the pipes and boiler insulated or lagged?