Things first-time home buyers need to know

As one of the biggest investments you’ll probably ever make, there are a lot of things to know, consider and do when buying your first property. From finding the right property for you and securing a mortgage to understanding legal costs and exchanging contracts.

Location, price and curb appeal are all important, but so is the condition of the property, especially the things that you can’t see that could result in significant repair costs after you move in.

So, here’s the key things we think you should consider before committing to buy a property:

Know your budget

It’s important to work out your money and what you can afford, knowing that the purchase price is only part of the overall cost of buying a home. There’s legal and mortgage fees, surveys, searches, insurance, moving expenses and any immediate repairs that you know you’re going to need to sort.

And it doesn’t stop there. Once you own the property think about how much it’s going to cost to run and maintain, allowing for those unexpected repairs that always crop up.

Only once you know what you can afford should you make an offer to buy. Remember, knowing your maximum mortgage available doesn’t necessarily mean it’s affordable for you personally.

Looks are important, but so are the things you can’t see

Properties are often made to look perfect for viewings but still have underlying problems. A touch of fresh paint, new flooring and a modern kitchen can make a property appear well maintained, but cosmetic improvements like this should not distract you from checking out the overall condition of the building.

When viewing a property, look for signs that could indicate potential defects, including cracks in walls, sticking doors or windows, uneven floors, damp, damaged brickwork or evidence of previous alterations. Signs like this do not necessarily mean there are serious structural problems, but they should certainly be further investigated.

Property alterations

Many properties are altered in some way, whether it be an extension, loft conversions or internal walls removed to create open-plan spaces. If this is the case with the property you are interested in, then check that all the appropriate approvals and documentation are available.

If not properly designed or constructed, some alterations can affect the structural integrity of a building, such as installing a suitable structural support if removing a load-bearing wall. This is something your solicitor can investigate, while a DSA structural engineer can assess structural elements where concerns arise.

A structural survey is key

A survey is a definite requirement and making sure you get the property survey you need is essential. Depending on the age and condition of the property you can choose a home survey or a more detailed structural survey, sometimes a structural inspection by a structural engineer is the best option. Some people think that your mortgage valuation is enough, but this is not the same as a property survey – the valuation is primarily for the mortgage lender and not intended to provide you, the buyer, with a detailed assessment of the property’s condition.

If you’ve specific concerns, a structural engineer can investigate:

• Cracks in walls or ceilings
• Potential subsidence or ground movement
• Structural movement
• Bowing or damaged walls
• Roof or chimney defects
• Foundation problems
• Removal of load-bearing walls
• Extensions and previous alterations
• Defective structural supports

If your engineer finds a structural issue, the problem can be investigated in more detail to identify the likely cause and what remedial work may be required. This information is key to getting the peace of mind you need to commit to buying.

Don’t ignore potential problems

Don’t panic. Not all problems are expensive to resolve, especially if prompt action is taken. Ask your structural engineer to explain what has been identified, how serious it appears to be and what action they recommend taking.

If significant defects are found, you can use this information to renegotiate the property price or even ask the seller to get the repairs sorted. Of course, you can also decide not to proceed with the property purchase.

All great reasons to get the right professional advice before exchanging contracts.

Think about property development

The property may not be exactly what you want but there may be opportunity for improvement. You may eventually want to extend the property, remove a wall, convert the loft or even the garage, so it’s worth considering the structural implications before buying.

For example, creating an open-plan space would involve removing structural walls and installing beams or an extension may require foundations and a way to connect to the original building.

Considering such developments early on means you can make your purchase with a degree of certainty that your plans are realistic and the likely costs.

There’s no rush

Buying your first home is not a race, so don’t feel you should rush things, even if you have fallen in love with a property. As a first-time buyer you are already in a strong position and very attractive to sellers, so take the time you need to decide with your head as well as your heart.

A thorough property survey, followed by specialist structural advice if needed, means you’ll have all the valuable information you need about potential defects, repair requirements and future potential.

DSA is ready to support

At DSA Civil & Structural Design Engineers, our structural engineers provide professional structural advice for residential properties, including existing buildings, alterations and redevelopment projects.

If you are buying your first property and have concerns about structural movement, cracking, subsidence, extensions, alterations or other signs of potential structural problems, get in touch before you complete your purchase.