Buyers Checklist

Buying a property is one of the most stressful events of our lives - and certainly many of you will have uttered the words "never again" following your move. Although arranging the mortgage and finding somewhere you want to buy can be taxing, many people find the actual build-up to moving-out day and the day itself to be the worst. But it needn't be like this. Read our Buyer's, Seller's and Moving Checklists to help make your experience as stress-free as possible.

The neighbourhood	Inside the property	Outside the property
General conditions	State of repair	Buying the property

The neighbourhood

Check out the neighbourhood. Are there shops and public transport facilities within easy walking distance? Visit the area in the daytime and in the evening to assess the varying levels of noise and through traffic.

Compare the property you want to buy with those in the local neighbourhood. If they are in a poor state of repair, they could hold down the value of yours.

Inside the property

Look out for signs of subsidence such as cracked walls and doors that are sticking or not hanging correctly.

Use your nose to detect the smell of damp. Feel plastered walls for moisture - this could also be caused by condensation collecting, which can also cause problems.

Outside the property

Are there any roof tiles missing? If so, watch out for signs of leaking or damp inside the property.

Look out for signs of subsidence such as a bent chimney stack, an uneven roof line or cracked walls. Are there any trees with roots that could undermine the property's foundations?

Is the damp-proof course above the soil - if not, problems may occur. Older properties may not have a damp-proof course which can cause damp on the ground floor.

General conditions

Take someone with you when you view a property - they may notice things that you miss. Try to go and see a place at least twice, at different times of day. Are any of the rooms an unusual shape that would be difficult to fit furniture and kitchen appliances into? Do they all have sufficient power points? carpets, curtains and/or any appliances included in the price? Does the bathroom/toilet have sufficient ventilation? Don't be prejudiced by the decor. Ghastly wallpapers and paint colours can be rectified relatively easily and cheaply.

State of repair

Inspect plug sockets to gauge the age of the electrics.

View the loft to see if the roof is insulated. If you turn off the light, you shouldn't be able to see any patches of daylight. Check timbers for signs of damp or woodworm.

How old is the piping? Lead piping will need to be replaced. Are the pipes and the boiler lagged or insulated?

Is there wall cavity insulation?

How long has the central heating system been installed?

Ask if any work has been done on the property recently? If so, is it covered by a guarantee? Ask to see written proof.

Buying the property

Don't be afraid to ask vendors lots of questions. Find out why they are moving. If they want a quick sell, you may be able to negotiate a discount in return for moving in quickly.

It takes the average buyer only 20 minutes to decide whether or not they like a property. But having fallen in love with the place, there are plenty of practical considerations. Bear in mind that while you may be able to spot obvious structural problems yourself, it is still advisable to have a professional survey carried out before.