The questions to ask before buying a house to avoid £20,000 of unexpected costs
Buying a house is not cheap and property expert has warned buyers of hidden costs that could leave them £20,000 out of pockets.
They explained asking important questions when viewing a house will reduce the risk of unexpected costs.
Checking things such as the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating, when the boiler was last serviced and parking permission can be a good move financially, according to experts at online mortgage brokers Mojo Mortgages.
They suggested asking these questions before making an offer as this could impact how much the property is worth.
Experts shared the questions buyers should ask
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Questions to ask (potential unexpected cost)
1. What is the EPC rating? – £7,499
2. How old is the boiler, and when was it last serviced? – £4,500
3. Do your windows suffer from condensation? – £4,000
4. Are you leaving the carpet? – £2,200
5. Are you leaving your blinds? – £1,100
6. Is the house damp-proofed? – £800
7. Is the water pressure powerful? – £370
Not checking the energy efficiency of a property could be a costly mistake in the long run, the experts explained.
They said: “While the property listing often includes an EPC rating, it’s important to verify this in person to ensure its accuracy. The EPC rating provides valuable insights into the energy efficiency of a property, helping you anticipate monthly energy costs more accurately.
“Interestingly, only 43 per cent of homeowners have an EPC banding of C and above, which is considered efficient. For the majority of people, this can cost £7,499 to fix, however, government data shows that an EPC rating of C increases the property‘s value by an average of 10 per cent.”
Similarly, an old boiler is more likely to break down and these can be expensive to fix or replace. Not to mention the inconvenience of not getting heating or hot water.
The experts added: “Boilers typically account for around 60 per cent of your heating bills. However, they become more prone to breakdowns and malfunctions as they age, so it’s important to ask this simple question before making an offer on a house.
“On average, a boiler lasts between 10 and 15 years depending on how well it’s maintained. Therefore, if the boiler in the house you’re considering buying is nearing this age, it may be wise to budget for a replacement.
“Keep in mind that the average boiler could cost up to £4,500, making it a significant expense if overlooked during the buying process.”
While many people may not think to check if windows suffer from condensation, experts suggested this can be an indicator of other issues in a property.
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Asking the right questions can save money in the long run
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Property experts added: “Condensation on windows is often an indicator of larger underlying issues in the home that may require attention and investment to properly address. While the condensation itself may seem like a minor problem, it can be a symptom of problems like poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, or excessive indoor moisture.
“Ignoring these root causes and only treating the condensation superficially could lead to more serious and costly problems down the line. For example, if the underlying issues are not resolved, the windows themselves may eventually need to be replaced, which can cost an average of £4,000.
“While the appearance of the carpet plays a significant role in the overall aesthetics of a home, it’s important to note that in some cases, the current owner may intend to take the carpet with them upon selling.
“Replacing the carpet in an entire house can come with an average price tag of £2,200. Therefore, it’s important to ask this question before making an offer.”
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