Thinking of buying a house in the near future? Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to give up the rent paying life and find the perfect place of your own, or you’re someone for whom buying houses is nothing new, there are several pitfalls that you can fall into which could end up turning your dream home into a nightmare. The good news is, you can reduce the risk of buying a dud or having more problems than your average agony aunt’s inbox. By making sure you do these 10 things before you buy a house and sign on the dotted line.
Get Your Finances in Order
No one likes paperwork, but before you even start scrolling Rightmove at midnight, you need to know what you can afford. That means checking your credit score, clearing off any old debts if possible, and getting an Agreement in Principle from a mortgage lender. Think of it as your “golden ticket” that shows estate agents and sellers you’re serious.
It’s not glamorous, but trust me: you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not crying into your bank statements.
Research the Area Like a Detective
Sure, the house might look perfect, but what about the neighbourhood? Spend time walking around at different times of day. Is it quiet or are you sandwiched between two houses of eternal drum ‘n’ bass lovers? How long does it actually take to get to work in rush hour, not just on Google Maps at 11am? What are the schools like, even if you don’t have kids (because resale value is a thing)?
Pro tip: check how many “For Sale” signs are on the same street. If everyone’s fleeing, you should probably ask why.
Factor in All the Hidden Costs
Buying a home isn’t just about saving up for the deposit. There’s stamp duty, solicitor’s fees, removal vans, and that one IKEA trip that somehow turns into £500 worth of candles and storage boxes. Be realistic about the numbers. Make a spreadsheet if you must. You don’t want to blow your budget on the mortgage and realise you’ve got nothing left for curtains.
Don’t Skip the Boring but Essential Paperwork
The legal side of buying a house isn’t thrilling, but it matters. Get a good solicitor or conveyancer who explains things in plain English and keeps you updated. You’ll want to know about things like title deeds, boundaries, rights of way, and whether your dream home is secretly about to be knocked down for a bypass.
Get a Proper Property Survey
This is not the bit to cut corners on. Yes, a survey costs money, but it can save you thousands in the long run. A qualified surveyor will check the structural integrity of the property and flag any major issues – subsidence, damp, dodgy roofs, you name it.
There are different levels of property surveys, from a basic condition report to a full building survey. Which one you choose depends on the type and age of the house. If you’re buying a charming Victorian terrace with “character”, get the full works. Better a nasty surprise now than a crumbling wall later.
Ask About Running Costs
Mortgage aside, you’ll want to know what it actually costs to live in the house. Ask about council tax bands, average utility bills, and how energy efficient the property is. With energy prices doing their usual rollercoaster routine, a poorly insulated home could leave you wearing three jumpers and regretting everything come winter.
Sniff Out Red Flags During Viewings
Don’t just wander through a house saying, “Ooh, nice tiles.” Look closer. Is there fresh paint in suspicious patches (hello, attempted damp cover-up)? Do windows open properly? Is there enough storage, or are you about to live surrounded by boxes forever? And always, always, check the water pressure. No one wants a dream home with a nightmare shower trickling like a sad tap.
Also, trust your gut. If something feels “off”, it probably is.
Talk to the Neighbours
Yes, it might feel awkward, but a quick chat with the neighbours can reveal a lot. They’ll know if the area is friendly, if there’s parking wars on the street, or if that cute-looking café on the corner turns into a rowdy bar at night. A five-minute conversation can give you more insight than any glossy estate agent brochure.
Plan for the Future, Not Just Now
You might love the place today, but will it suit you in five years? Think about your plans. Planning to start a family? You’ll want more bedrooms and green space. Love entertaining? You’ll need a kitchen that doesn’t feel like a broom cupboard. Work remotely? Space for a desk is a must. Buying a house isn’t just about today’s lifestyle; it’s about tomorrow’s too.
Don’t Let Emotions Rule the Deal
Falling in love with a house is easy. But falling into financial ruin because you let your heart overrule your head? Not so much. Don’t get caught up in bidding wars that push you over budget. Don’t ignore warning signs just because the garden has “such nice vibes”. Stay clear-eyed, practical, and prepared to walk away if it doesn’t stack up.
There will always be another house. And sometimes, the “one that got away” is just saving you from years of headaches.
Bottom Line
Buying a house in the UK is a big deal. It’s stressful, expensive, and can make you feel like you’re living inside a constant game of Monopoly. But if you tick off these ten things before you commit, you’ll dramatically reduce the chances of nasty surprises.
From getting your finances in shape to checking the neighbourhood, from budgeting for hidden costs to investing in proper property surveys, every step is about protecting your future self from regret.
So, before you fall head over heels for that cute cottage or sleek new-build, pause. Do the legwork. Ask the awkward questions. And only then, when you’re armed with knowledge and confidence, should you pop that champagne and start picking paint colours.
Because a house isn’t just bricks and mortar, right? It’s the backdrop to your life. And you deserve to get it right.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
