The ten questions
Ask all of them and write the answers down. Anything vague is worth following up in writing.
- Why are the sellers moving and how long have they lived here
- How long has the property been on the market and has a sale fallen through
- What is the chain position and what is the target completion date
- What work has been done and is there building control sign off and a guarantee
- Has there ever been damp subsidence flooding or Japanese knotweed
- How old are the boiler roof windows and wiring
- What are the annual running costs council tax band and EPC rating
- For leasehold what is the ground rent service charge lease length and any planned major works
- Where exactly are the boundaries and who maintains which fence
- What is included in the sale and what is the seller taking
Follow up the answers that matter
Anything structural or legal should be confirmed through your solicitor in the TA6 form rather than left as a conversation. Verbal reassurances have no weight once you have completed.
In short
Ask about history works costs and the lease then get every important answer confirmed in writing.