publication date: Apr 7, 2010
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author/source: Kate Faulkner, Property Expert and Author of Which? Property Books
Top 10 Checks to Make when Buying a Period Property
Older properties (pre 1930s) may be full of character but they are also likely to be full of problems such as damp, problem plumbing and electrics and even lack foundations!
Follow our top 10 property checks to make sure you know whether this is the right property for you – or not.
- Check for damp, timber rot and dry rot.
- Check the condition of the roof and chimney, make sure there are no leaks.
- Ensure if a new roof has been put on that the supports were strengthened to take the increased weight.
- Have the foundations checked, particularly if you are looking to extend upwards/outwards.
- Read your independent building survey carefully and ask about anything you don’t understand.
- Make sure any legal company you use has experience of buying older properties.
- Check out how much the utility bills will be as older properties tend to be less energy efficient than new ones.
- Make sure you understand any historic rights/access and covenant issues.
- Have a gas and electrical survey carried out - any problems can take £1,000s to put right.
- If you are having work done, then keep a 30% contingency fund for unforeseen costs.
For more information on purchasing period properties, take a look at the following articles:-
Top five things you need to know about thatched properties
Top five things to watch out for when buying and selling an underpinned property
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