Buying a home advice

Get a Quote

Buying a home is a big event and one that requires a lot of attention to detail. We've highlighted some things you should consider when buying a property.

Why have a survey?

The purchase of your own home is generally regarded as the biggest financial outlay you will ever make. Homebuyers must realise why it is so important to have a survey to advise as to whether the property is free from significant defect and associated expense.

Money wisely spent on a survey can save the need to spend thousands on repairs or replacement. Your survey will also be a useful negotiating tool to further reduce the price you pay when you buy a new house. If no significant repairs or expenditure are required then at least you have peace of mind.

REMEMBER! It is too late to negotiate a price once you have exchanged contracts.

When buying a home or moving house you should never rely solely on a mortgage valuation. The lenders themselves state within their terms and conditions that this should not be done. Take your time to consider the benefits of each type of survey and which type would best suit your needs when moving house.

Survey aftercare

The aftercare provided after you move house is as important as the completed survey. Look for a company that is quality assured, RICS registered and office-based. You will find that an established company will have developed an enviable reputation over many years for presenting reports in a very clear and easy-to-understand format. 

Look for quality and service at an affordable price, not a cheap service. This is where aftercare is of the utmost importance. A good company will be more than happy to discuss the intricacies of the report once the clients themselves have had the opportunity to read and digest the content and always be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have, no matter how small.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) give information on how to make your new home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC.

EPCs contain:
Energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place.

The rating measures the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’. An ‘A’ rating is the most efficient, while ‘G’ is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'D'. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

Around 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.

This content was provided by MAP Surveyors

 

map_house_logo


Tel: 0845 634 4187

[email protected]
www.mapsurveyors.co.uk

Moving in the UK? Get a Quote
Get a Quote