Buying a period home can be the ultimate investment for homeowners, if both the price and the condition of the property are right.
Here are just a few of the important checks that would-be buyers should make before snapping up their period home.
Visit, visit, visit!
Although it’s common to revisit a property you are interested in buying on more than one occasion, such as at different times of day, this is particularly important when it comes to a period property as its list of charming features could prove to be structural nightmares upon closer inspection.
Take note
While it can be tempting to look back at our property viewing through rose-tinted spectacles, keeping detailed notes about remaining original features and the general condition of the property will help you make a more accurate assessment of your potential home. A quick internet search should throw up some standard property checklist templates, and photos are also a great way to help refresh your memory.
Get a detailed survey
A building survey can offer a detailed report on defects, repair and maintenance options for a property. Identifying any potential problems with your property will help you to factor in repair costs, ensuring that the home you have your sights on remains within your budget; regardless of any additional work needed.
Carry out your research
Investigating the property’s planning history, or that of surrounding properties, through a local authority on-line planning search facility will help to identify planning precedents. It will also give you an idea as to whether or not your extension plans could be given the green light.
If the property is located within a rural area then it will also need to be assessed in terms of its flood risk. Other key considerations are whether the property is listed/ protected or within a conservation area.
If you own a period property, secondary double glazing for sash windows is something you may want to consider in order to improve the energy efficiency of your home.