Checklist for buying a property over winter

Purchasing a new home around winter can be a very exciting but stressful time. We often see our clients speeding through the conveyancing process in order to be in before Christmas. As much as we wish all purchases were completed ahead of Christmas, this just isn’t possible. Purchasing a home in winter can come with its cons and this is often due to the cold weather. 

Here is our checklist of things to check before putting an offer on a house around the winter period, it’s important that you carry out some essential checks which include:

1. Doors and Windows – check each door and window to see if they are draft-proof. Unless a building is particularly old, the windows and doors should be double-glazed and have solid frames. If there are any issues with these make sure you consider the upgrade costs.
2. Dampness – dampness should be flagged in the house report. However, it’s still important to look out for the signs. If there is any dampness you should consider getting this treated professionally to avoid any serious illness! 
3. Heating – you must check that the heating system in the property is in good working condition. Without this, you may find yourself shivering under blankets and duvets this winter. We would recommend asking the previous owner regarding this at the viewing. Some sellers may also discuss heating costs with you if you ask politely! 

Important Advice:

If you do find issues such as dampness or drafts then you can still put an offer in with the seller. However, you need to consider the costs of repair, in some cases, you may be able to negotiate with the seller on getting the repairs fixed or the cost of repairs taken off the offer!

Are you ready to buy or sell your property this winter, our Residential Property Team are experts in their field and are happy to offer further advice. They can be contacted by calling 01302 341414 or 0114 272 1884 or you can fill out our online enquiry form.

We have further articles on our website relating to residential property, here are two that you may find helpful:

• The difference between residential and commercial property
• How long does it take to get the keys after buying a house? 

All of the staff here at Taylor Bracewell would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.