This is not an exhaustive or a complete list. It is likely to change over time, with edits, additions and deletions, and is simply a collection of my thoughts based on many years of experience. You should follow your instincts, not rely at all on any of this and you must always seek your own professional advice from people who really understand the type of property that you are buying.
Legal Advice
Don’t try to save money on the legal advice. Search around for really good legal advice from someone who knows about the law related to Listed Buildings. Don’t look for the cheapest cost. Look for the best advice that will help you. You need someone who can provide you with legal advice and not simply ticking the correct boxes.
Get a Good Building Survey
I wrote a Blog post message on this. Take this opportunity to read it. How to find a good surveyor
If it is old and interesting, ask me for a chat and perhaps a quote!
Be Realistic With Your Budget
If you are already at the top of your budget just buying the house, then be honest with yourself. Life is too short to be stressed by money worries all the time. If an unexpected £10,000 repair bill is going to cause you serious financial problems then you might not be buying the best house for your situation. You should always take the best financial advice from your broker, but do be honest with what you can actually afford. There are many great things about living in a Listed Building but don’t let the dream carry you away.
‘Lovingly Restored’
Seriously? No. It probably isn’t. It might be, but it is unlikely. Any property that has been recently ‘done up’ and not actually lived in for at least five years after the project is probably one to avoid. The risks are too high. The sales photos might well look fabulous and aimed at seducing you into a lifestyle choice that you crave, but you can have no idea how well it has all been done. Ask yourself whether it will still look great in ten years time. Any house that has been ‘lovingly restored’ could be that nightmare purchase that you regret buying and will cost you a fortune later to do it all again properly. Beware! I would never buy a house like this.
Don’t Believe Everything You Are Told
Being suspicious can be a good thing. Smile nicely, and listen… but then make your own enquiries and decide for yourself. Make an informed decision based on unbiased advice and enquiries.
A Tired Home is an Honest Home
When searching online, especially, it can be so easy to look for a new home that is already in reasonably good condition and overlook those that need more work and improvements. However, look at it this way. If you buy the tired home, it has nothing to hide. It is totally honest and transparent and there in front of view. It is a blank canvas. You can do the repairs properly and to the standards that you want and expect and not of those of the person selling the house. I would much rather buy the tired home with the problems that need solving, rather than spend more money on what initially look like an easier purchase because it seems to be in better condition.
It really doesn’t matter what is wrong. It can be fixed.
The only thing you really need to focus on is the location. You can change everything, but you can’t change the location.
Use Google..!
There is so much information online now. Go and find it. Search for everything. Follow up links. Read everything you can about the house, the neighbours and the area generally. Even before you set foot in the door, you can be better informed just with some time on the internet. Use Google Streetview, for example, and look back at older photos of the house. You’ll learn a lot.
Disclaimer: Anything posted in this Blog is for general information only and it is not in any way intended to provide any advice, legal or otherwise, on any general or specific matter that you can rely on. You should always seek your own legal advice.