Don't buy a property without first asking these ten essential questions

When hunting for a new home, it’s common to find the whole process a little overwhelming at times.

After all, who can expect you to suddenly become a property expert overnight?

There’s often lots of questions you’ll want answered by your estate agent, or even the homeowners themselves.

When viewing a house, it always pays to be prepared so you can fully maximise your time getting as much information as possible.

Helpfully, the property experts at estate agent comparison service GetAgent have put together a list of ten essential questions you should be asking while perusing a property.

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Ten vital questions to ask

1. Why have you decided to sell your house?

2. Are there any issues with neighbours?

3. Are there any issues with the heating?

4. How long has the property been up for sale?

5. Have there been any structural issues?

6. Is there or has there ever been damp?

7. What is parking like around the property?

8. Has anyone made any offers on this property yet?

9. Which way does the garden face?

10. Have there been any planning permission proposals granted or denied?

Noisy neighbours are always a no-no (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Asking these ten questions can reveal some key information about any downsides to the property - from naggy neighbours to structural issues - as well as identifying features of real potential, such as a south-facing garden or the opportunity to extend or build on the land.

Colby Short, CEO and co-founder of GetAgent says: “If you’re in the market for a new home, you’re going to have to go on a lot of house viewings. Viewings provide an excellent insight into prospective properties, but to make the most of them, you need to know what to look for”.

He says while using a generic checklist to start with can prove helpful, it’s important to consider what’s right for your own unique circumstances.

Colby added: “There’s no formula for deciding on the perfect property. What features do you value most? Every homebuyer must decide for themselves how they should weigh optional features that are appealing, against those that are necessary, in order to call a house a home.”