A home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make — so it’s important to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
However, according to a survey by SAM Conveyancing, one in six buyers have found defects after moving into a property, spending an average of £5,000 on repairs as a result.
And when you’ve already drained your savings for a deposit, solicitor’s fees, moving costs and furniture, that’s an extra spend you can really do without.
According to Andrew Boast, property expert and founder of SAM, sellers are becoming increasingly savvy at disguising problems, making vigilance more important than ever.
‘The biggest issues aren’t always obvious,’ he tells Metro. ‘With a few tricks,sellers can legally mask problems that could end up costing buyers a fortune.’
It’s always advised to get a survey done before signing on the dotted line. But even earlier, you could save yourself time, money and headaches by looking out for these commonly-used tactics.
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Painting over damp and mould
Although many sellers repaint to show their home off as a versatile blank canvas, some use it to cover issues that could put buyers off entirely — like leaks, poor ventilation or mould.
Andrew says: ‘If a room smells overly neutral or has that fresh ‘just painted’ scent, ask why. Look at corners, skirting boards, and behind radiators too. These are the places damp tends to creep in.’
If you suspect there’s something lurking beneath that fresh coat of emulsion, consider using a moisture meter or getting a damp and timber survey done to investigate further.
Using furniture to hide damage
A strategically-placed rug can hide a multitude of sins around a home: useful to remember when you’ve just spilled red wine on the carpet, and vital during a property viewing.
Andrew notes that large furniture items can be used to conceal everything from cracked walls to evidence of past repairs, while floor coverings may disguise more sinister defects such as uneven flooring, warping, or subsidence.
‘If the layout feels oddly placed or something looks like it doesn’t quite fit the room, don’t be afraid to ask for it to be moved,’ he adds. ‘You’re buying the floor and walls, not just the way the room is styled.’
Timing viewings to avoid telltale signs
‘A viewing on a sunny weekday lunchtime might look perfect,’ says Andrew. ‘But it won’t tell you how noisy the road is at rush hour, or whether the garden floods after heavy rain.’
At least two viewings at different times of the day and week are necessary to get a feel for a home’s environment. Even better, try to ask neighbours about local noise or flooding history.
Refusing a second viewing or only allowing them to take place at certain times should raise red flags, along with vague or evasive answers.
But even if things seem perfect, Andrew warns never to ‘rely on surface appearances or a seller’s word.’
Getting the advice of qualified professionals – like solicitors and surveyors – is also a must, ‘giving you the chance to renegotiate or walk away before it’s too late.’
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