A Buyer’s Checklist for Finding a New Home

You’ve saved up a deposit, secured a mortgage in principle and are ready to find the property of your dreams. The important thing now is to choose a home that not only fits your family now, but which can provide a wonderful place for you to live for years to come.

We’ve put together a simple checklist to guide you through the process of finding and securing your perfect property.

What to do before your search?

Most buyers get caught up in the excitement of buying a new home, and rush headlong into the search without taking the time to consider what they’re actually looking for. You can save yourself a lot of time – and buyer’s remorse – by sitting down with your partner, family or friends to define everything you really need in a home, as well as anything you would like on top.

Our top tip? Decide on your ideal parameters for size, location and price, and how flexible you are prepared to be on each. Follow this up with a set of “must have” and “nice to have” criteria. These are different for everyone, but might include things like a second reception room, off-road parking or en-suite bathrooms.

Read Our Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Michelle Moore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Silk Sharples Jennings, (SSJ) have staked their reputation on thorough assessments of two properties for us, bringing peace of mind about the good the bad and the ugly in all they expertly surveyed. With years of practice, Paul Sharples saved us thousands of pounds in what would have been a disastrous investment. He left no stone unturned, and from the tallest to the smallest of details he exhausted all efforts to expose his findings until the proof became apparent. We exited his office feeling relieved that the SSJ survey had been carried out, rather than full of regret that we had not purchased the property. Attention to detail has been a key theme throughout both survey reports. With a quick turnaround from Sian in the office, we could liaise using our brochure to pinpoint exactly what we needed to do and obtain realistic quotes, so we could continue with executive decision making and keep our senses tuned in to where we were at and what we needed to do. Mr. Sharples went beyond his inspections, seeing us personally to review exactly what his findings were. He ensured a descriptive and fair assessment of the second property and nailed every detail until we knew exactly what we were looking at. We are now confident about our purchase. Don't waste time buying a house and all it encompasses without consulting the best that money can buy. You might think you will save time and money by not doing a survey; but I sincerely doubt it. Even when the jobs listed are finalised on the property, we will continue to save thousands more than it cost us to pay Silk, Sharples, Jennings to ensure everything is correct and proper inside and out of the house, making a decent survey from SSJ the ultimate weapon in ensuring a watertight home If you are fortunate enough to come across a limited survey report, lucky you; it won't be because SSJ have cut corners, it'll be because you found an amazing house with nothing more than a solid foundation with iron clad assurance! 100% recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Martin Ward 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Very detailed report which has helped us seek out the appropriate contractor to carry out the requisite improvement work.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Antony David Davies FRSA 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Grand professional company, highly recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 R Benson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Fantastic service! David Silk at SSJ recently designed plans for an extension for us, and managed the planning application from start to finish. The process ran smoothly throughout, entirely due to the professional, reliable and friendly service I received from David. The plans were excellent, David understood what we were trying to achieve and used his knowledge & experience to suggest changes, which improved the design immeasurably. We were kept updated regularly during the process and David always delivered on time and exceeded my expectations. I would recommend David at SSJ to anyone in a heartbeat, clearly expert at what he does and a pleasure to work with.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 sophie groom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Professional, reliable and helpful. David Silk recently designed and guided us through planning for a first floor extension, without his guidance I'm convinced we would not have planning permission. The drawings I received were high quality, David thought of everything from head height to space and light. David used his expertise, experience and initiative to liase with the planning office, ensuring an acceptable solution to meet planning requirements could be reached without the need for a lengthy appeal. When required David submitted redraws for my review within hours. David even took the time to contact me to inform me of regulation changes that would effect the build. I could not be happier with the level of service I have received.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Sam Hartley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Really helpful, David was professional and friendly and has helped us right through the process.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Andrew Stephens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
As a novice to the planning game. It can be daunting to say the least! on friends recommendation my partner and I approached David Silk as our preferred surveyor to plan our home extension. We have found David to be very professional, helpful,  easy to talk to. Approachable and considerate to what we thought might have been at times, basic questions. David always listened to our concerns and has assisted with instructing a structural engineer and approved building inspectors.  We have no hesitation in recommending David Silk of Silk Sharples Jennings Chartered Surveyors to assist anyone with their building ventures.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 John Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
From overseas we bought an old house needing extensive renovation which due to Covid were unable to see it.  We engaged Colin to design and manage the renovations and alterations.  Despite all our communications being over Zoom etc Colin quickly grasped what we were wanting and developed plans meeting our requirements to retain the character of the house whilst bringing it up to modern standards and complying with all the regulations. and attending to the smallest detail.  He obtained us an excellent builder and as they ran in to various and some significant challenges kept us informed and overcame them to great results! Colin handled all the beaurocracy, finances etc and made the whole process stress free for us.  Despite significant extra unforseen work being necessary he was able to make savings elsewhere that enabled it to come in pretty much on budget. Now we have finally seen the house and are living in it we are very pleased with the result.  We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Colin.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Keithyboy25 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Couldn't have done more for us in our extension planning and application. David was clear in his communication every step of the way, listening to our needs and guiding us through the possibilities and their implications. Felt well looked after and the entire process was smooth and trouble free. Would definitely recommend and use again
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Tim Robbins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent customer service from Dave, very friendly, honest and trustworthy. Dave was very knowledgable and informed us about everything. We would highly recommend the service.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

What to do once you start looking?

With a little preparation, you should be able to filter through your options with relatively ease, limiting yourself to properties which are in a nice location, have enough space, and fall within your budget. The next step is to view these to see if you can imagine making a home there.

Buying a property and moving your family is a huge commitment, so it’s important to take off the rose-tinted glasses, and scrutinise the building you’re about to invest in. Here are the top questions buyers often forget to ask themselves before signing on the dotted line.

Inside the house, ask yourself:

• Is everything in generally good order? Flick switches, test taps and check that all doors and windows open and close properly.
• Are there any obvious signs of damp, like mould speckles, condensation or discolouration in the walls? If so, it may be worth commissioning a specific defect report.
• Does any of the décor look suspicious, such as oddly-placed rugs or pictures which could be concealing damage?
• Are there plenty of integrated cupboards, and if not, is there enough room for storage furniture in the rooms?
• What is the parking like; is there a garage, or will you need a permit to park on the street? What about guests?
• Can you spot any layout quirks that would need to be changed, like awkward plug sockets or light switches?
• How does the current kitchen layout work for you? If you mime making a meal, does it flow nicely? Or will you have to renovate the space?
• How does the age and condition of the building match up to how much effort you want to put in maintaining and updating it?

Tip: Take plenty of pictures as you walk around – at least one per room. It will make it much easier to remember each property clearly, and decide which you want to view a second time.

Don’t forget to ask your estate agent:

• Why are the current owners moving out?
• How long has it been on the market?
• How many viewings has it had, and has anyone already made an offer?
• Is there a chain?
• If you’re looking at a leasehold property, who is the freeholder and managing agent?

Practical matters:

• What council tax band is the house in?
• Is there any ground rent or service charges?
• What does the EPC rating estimate your bills will be?
• Do you have good mobile signal, and what are the available internet speeds?
• For leasehold properties, are there more than 83 years left on the term?
• What sits on the property boundary? Will you have to consider potential party wall issues?

Tip: Always go for a second viewing, at a different time of day. It will give you a better idea of the amount of natural light, the parking availability and how noisy the neighbours can be.

Research the local area:

• Do the properties on the rest of the street look well-maintained?
• Are there good public transport options?
• Is any development planned nearby, and how will this affect you?
• What are the local crime statistics?
• How are the local schools performing? Even if this doesn’t affect your family, it can have a huge impact on the resale value of your home.
• Are the nearby parks well-kept?

What happens when you find the perfect place?

• Find a solicitor you can work with (check for any reasons that might delay your transaction, such as having long holidays booked).
• Compare the asking price against local market trends and property that has recently sold nearby.
• Make an offer, including an exclusivity period upon acceptance. This will make sure nobody else can view the property while you are arranging contracts.
• Arrange for a property survey to be conducted.

And when you’re ready to proceed?

• Obtain the mortgage deed to be signed by the solicitor.
• Sign your contracts and exchange them.
• Pay the balance of the agreed price
• Receive the title deeds and transfer document
• Pay the Stamp Duty, solicitor’s fees and Land Registry charges
• Collect your keys and move in!

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