With UK mortgage rates at 33-year highs, it is more important than ever to make the right investment before buying a house in the UK.For first-time buyers, who now spend two-thirds of their take-home pay on mortgage repayments, this is an important issue.
Roarie Scarisbrick of Property Vision said: “Now more than ever, people should make sure they’re buying The best place to buy and the best value for money, the compromises you accept now will be magnified if you sell in a tough market.”
#{ 24}Buildings/properties in need of alterations and refurbishments
Said Simon Tollit of Tedworth Property As construction costs in the UK continue to rise, buyers will need to think twice before considering a property that requires renovation.He said: "The reality may be that you are better off buying a home that doesn't require a large initial outlay." Added Seba Oliver of Mayfair Personal Sellers If a buyer is determined to purchase a property that needs renovation, make sure they know what they need to do and whether they have enough money and time to support the project.
“Make sure you carry out a proper investigation to understand the scope and extent of refurbishments required. Construction cost inflation is real and the cost of refurbishments has increased significantly over the past few years. rising, so make sure you have a contractor, architect and builder you can trust.” 45} Poor Energy Performance Properties (EPC) #{55 } With energy costs still at exorbitant levels, now is not the time to buy a property with good drafts and poor insulation. A, B and C EPC ratings are all considered energy efficient, while the average UK property rating is D.The EPC of a house can be improved, but this will cost the buyer more in the short term. “Keep in mind that all costs of living are going up right now,” Scarisbrick said, “and the cost of heating and basic running costs for townhouses. It's rising fast so I expect people will eventually realize the importance of the EPC rating at the bottom of the brochure. A modern heating system and good insulation can help a lot if the maintenance costs of the house are more than you can afford. Then remember, these will only go in one direction" Potentially outside the building. Wall issues It may seem like a no-brainer, but avoid buying a property with external fire cladding issues, says buying agent Henry Pryor Properties, especially apartments. “There are a lot of high-rise buildings that have been caught in the scandal of fire-resistant facades. Even some three-storey buildings cannot get it. Approval by the surveyor and loan officer will prevent the loan applicant (buyer) from getting the loan.” The best way to identify siding and other potential problems is to conduct a thorough survey of the property. Conduct thorough due diligence before exchanging sales and purchase contracts. #{ 4} “Make sure the roof is in good condition and that the property management company performs regular maintenance and takes its responsibilities seriously.If you buy a low-rise apartment, make sure there are no moisture problems or safety hazards, and that the public facilities are in good condition.In the long run, this kind of thorough investigation will lead to good judgment, and people should focus more on the condition of the property and building itself rather than the floor plan of the house.” Short-term leasehold properties Inflation, coupled with increases in insurance, labor hours and electricity costs, will push up property management costs for leasehold owners. If you can, you can buy a freehold property or own part of the freehold property. Avoid this. Still, getting a good deal on a home on a short-term lease can be an opportunity, says Jack Reed of Reed Agents in Orlando. “If a property with a short-term leasehold title is sold at market value, this is a relatively simple way of increasing value as the freehold holder is legally obliged to offer renewal of the leasehold at a fair price (Section 42 of the Property Act) strip).” Lot, location, location “The location of a property is always the number one consideration for buyers,” says Rianna McElroy of Middleton Advisors. “You can expand and improve your home, but you’ll never It cannot be moved.” Avoid buying properties above shops, bars and restaurants, Pryor said. Above commercial buildings due to the pattern of commercial construction that is or may be underway Access to a loan will be more difficult, and homes located above noisy businesses may also make it more difficult to sell, Pryor added. Houses located on busy roads, next to railways or under airport flight paths are also riskier investments. Noise and air pollution are obstacles to attracting new buyers, especially young families. } On the other hand, being close to local shops, green facilities and schools will make it easier to find a buyer for your property. As Oliver says, demand for properties in London town locations has risen sharply post-pandemic, meaning close to business. Streets are becoming increasingly important Overpriced Properties # {57} The good news is that sellers should price their properties realistically in the current market, so as a buyer, make sure not to overpay for the property you want to buy. # {60} Simon said: “Due to the current shortage of properties for sale, some agents are willing to push the price envelope, partly to win the listing instructions from sellers, so conduct a thorough search of the property. It pays to research comparable properties to make sure the property is priced correctly.” Tollett of Tedworth Property, “Paying too much can lead to costly mistakes.” To ensure pricing is fair, Guy Bradshaw of Sotheby’s International Realty UK advises buyers to find out before counter-offering How long the property has been on the market, whether anyone else is interested and how many people have viewed it, comparisons to nearby areas. The recent transaction price of the property. Property with characteristics #{ 11} Scarisbrick recommends, if possible, choosing a property that has its own character to give you an advantage when it comes time to sell.“New construction is great, but you need to choose a unit with something special about it, such as layout, light or appearance.
“The danger is that you’re buying a unit An average apartment is the same as 20 or more apartments in the same building, and when you sell, you're likely to be competing with other sellers who can undermine your advantage and drive down the selling price.”
Properties with poor public transportation
#{26 } "Avoid buying anywhere that is far from public transportation, as these properties may be harder to sell in a buyer's market," Reid said."In the long run, homes that are easily accessible will retain their value and be more desirable.#{35 } Houses with no outside space
Interest in gardens remains strong, and Pryor advises not buying without any outdoor space if you can afford it