Buying a house is a big deal. Finding the right property where you and your family can live a happy, comfortable life takes time and patience. Once you buy a house, the last thing you want is to move in and discover a ton of flaws that will cost you money and peace of mind.

So, how do you buy the right property? By looking out for all the correct things during the property viewing, of course.

When you view a property, it’s important to pay attention to the design and feel of the place. After all, you’ll spend many years living in the house, so you should definitely like the space!

But it’s also equally important to check a number of other things to evaluate whether the property is in good condition and worth the investment.

Here are 9 things you should look out for when viewing a property:

1. Plumbing

Poor plumbing can cause you a lot of headache. Always make sure to check the plumbing of any property thoroughly before closing the deal.

As you walk around the property, look out for musty smells, or discolouration on the walls or ceiling. This could hint at bigger problems like a leak within the walls. Moisture trapped in the walls can lead to mould, which can cause health problems for you and your family. Plus, these kinds of leaks can be quite costly to repair.

Also, run the taps and showers to check the water pressure. Low water pressure can be quite frustrating, and may require pumps and other investments to fix.

2. Cracks

Before buying a property, you want to make sure that it is structurally sound. If you see cracks on the wall, this could indicate structural damage. Small hairline cracks are normal, but big cracks are definitely cause for concern.

3. Room size

Are the rooms in the property big enough for you? Will your existing furniture fit inside these rooms? These are important questions to consider.

Don’t leave it to chance! Bring a tape measure when you view the property and if you’re feeling doubtful, take measurements of the space. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a shock when your furniture doesn’t fit, and you’re forced to buy new ones!

Plus, if you have a lot of things to store such as luggage bags and kitchenware, keep an eye out for all the possible storage spaces. A property with an additional store room might be better suited for you.

4. Power points

Not having enough power points at the right places for all your electrical items can be such a hassle! When you visit a property, it’s best to check whether there are enough working power points for you, especially in the bedrooms and kitchen.

Rewiring your home can be expensive, so if you can make do with the existing power points, that’ll save you a lot of time and money.

5. Mobile signal

Living in a home with poor signal can cause a lot of difficulties, especially with the rising popularity of remote work arrangements. During a property viewing, take out your phone to check the mobile and data connection.

Make a call to someone to check the call quality, and Google something on your phone to check the Internet speed. If you’re not getting any bars, that could be a problem!

6. Neighbourhood

When it comes to real estate, it’s all about location, location, location! When you go for a viewing, don’t just look at the property. Drive around and check out the neighbourhood.

Are there nearby amenities such as restaurants, shops, and public transport links? Are there any sources of noise such as construction sites or train tracks? Are there schools near the access roads that can cause heavy traffic in the morning? Take a drive and find out!

Another major concern is the level of traffic in the area at peak times. You don’t want to get stuck living in a property that faces heavy traffic to and from your workplace. Use Google Maps to gauge the level of traffic at different times of the day.

Remember, once you buy a house, you can always renovate it to make changes, but you have little control over the surrounding neighbourhood, so be sure to choose the right location!

7. Drainage

With the rising cases of floods across the country, it’s important to make sure that the location you’re considering has proper drainage. As you drive or walk around the neighbourhood, check whether the drains are clogged or overflowing.

Strike up a conversation with the neighbours or security guards to find out whether the area is flood prone.

8. Security

When you move into a house, you want it to be a safe and secure place for your family. Guarded residential areas can offer added security for your peace of mind. So, as you drive to a property, take note of whether the residential area has security services and also, observe how efficient the services are.

Do they stop visitors and ask for ID? Do they provide residents with access cards for more secure entry and exit? This tells you a lot about the level of security you will enjoy if you buy the property.

You’ll also want to find out how much the monthly security charges are. Some residential areas offer great security, but the monthly charges are quite high. You’ll want to find a good balance that works for your budget.

You can also gauge how safe the neighbourhood is by chatting with the neighbours and asking them if there’s been any break-ins or thefts in the area lately.

9. Fixtures and fittings

Before buying a house, always check with the agent or seller about what you’ll be getting with the property. If the house comes with various fixtures and fittings, you’ll want to check their condition.

Built-in cabinets and wardrobes are often wooden, so you’ll want to look out for any water damage or termites. A termite infestation can be very expensive and difficult to get rid of.

Buying a house can be daunting, but with these tips, you can choose the right property with confidence. Checking a large property on your own can be difficult, as you may miss a thing or two. Bring someone along with you, so you can divide and conquer!

Now that you know what to look out for, it’s time to book a property viewing. Look through our property listing and schedule a property viewing appointment today. You’re just one click away from buying your dream home!