Looking at the Outside

This is something you will need to do thoroughly if you're interested in buying. Check the structural soundness and security, and imagine what it would feel like to live there.

Structure Checklist

• Look for signs of subsidence, such as a bent chimney stack, an uneven floor line, walls that aren't vertical, or bulging or cracked walls. Bear in mind that houses built before 1960 are more likely to be prone to subsidence, because foundations tended to be shallower.
• Are the walls in good repair? Does brickwork need pointing? If it's crumbling, the house will become damp. Are there any dark patches on the render that may indicate damp? If there are airbricks, they must not be blocked by earth or plants.
• Is the chimney stack straight? Ask the seller if it works.
• Is the roof in good shape? Check (with binoculars if necessary) for signs of missing or dislodged tiles and leaks in the roof space, damaged chimneys and blocked or damaged guttering. Ask the seller if there is a roof guarantee certificate.
• Also check flat roofs thoroughly, as they're vulnerable to the elements and a constant source of trouble (most need to be re-surfaced every 10 to 15 years).
• Does the guttering look sound? Can you see any damp patches that may be caused by leaky gutters?
• Do the windows and sills look rotten or rusty? Examine wooden window frames for signs of rot. In a conservation area, there are restrictions on replacement windows.
• If there is a conservatory, is it generally in good repair? Do the foundations look sound and is the flashing, the metal strip where the conservatory roof abuts the house, intact?
• Can you see any shared elements with neighbours, like a drive, right of way, or flying freehold (where part of one dwelling is built on top of the neighbours property)?

Garden

• Does the property have a garden, patio or balcony?
• Is it south facing?
• How large is the garden?
• Does it have mature trees and plants?
• Are there any trees too close to the property that could cause subsidence? The trees could have a preservation order on them - check with the planning department of your local authority.
• Is the garden secluded or overlooked?
• Are there any trees on a neighbour's property or possible extensions and walls that could block your light?
• Are outbuildings such as sheds and greenhouses included in the price?
• If a house overlooks a green area, don't assume that it will always be so – it could quite easily be sold to developers.

Access and Security

• If there is shared entry for a block of flats, is there an entry phone or electronic pass card system? Does the door shut automatically? Ask whether there is a resident or part-time caretaker.
• A public footpath through the garden or round the boundary of the house might compromise your security.

Parking

• Can you park on the street? If not, how far is the nearest parking area from the property?
• If you need to park a long way away, how do you feel about carrying heavy shopping hundreds of yards to your home?
• Is there a residents' parking scheme?
• Is the house on a steep slope and if so, is there a flat area for parking?