Invaluable Information When Buying a House

We know that buying a house is a very exciting time but it is also one of the most important and serious financial decisions that most of us will ever make. Here are a few helpful points which will hopefully keep your mind focused and avoid getting caught up in the moment:

Many of us require mortgage finance in order to purchase our homes and it is important that you discuss your mortgage with someone who is properly qualified. Make sure that you can afford the mortgage repayments but also the likely utility bills and council tax that you will be responsible for as a home owner. Also make sure that you know every item that is payable to purchase the property, for example Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable at variable rates on all residential properties with a purchase price of over £125,000.00 and many purchasers either do not know this or forget to factor this in to their finances.

Often people assume that various developments can be achieved automatically however certain developments do require planning permission. A Solicitor will be able to advise when planning permission is likely to be required. He will also be able to look into the planning history of the property and tell you what sort of planning applications have been refused / accepted in the past to give you more of an idea of what you can and cannot do.

You are the purchaser and it is you that has viewed the property and decided it is right for you. If you notice anything at the property which is not quite right, for example, a damp patch or a broken window, tell your solicitor who will raise enquiries with the seller to see if the matter can be resolved or at least find out more details for you. Every house is different and unfortunately, solicitors are rarely in a position to view the property or make inspections and unless you tell them your concerns will not know to ask further questions of the seller.

There are a number of levels of survey available, the cost varying between the levels. A solicitor is not an expert on buildings and what should or should not be done to keep the building safe and weatherproof etc. A survey will tell you if there are any structural problems with a property and often the likely cost of repair. It may be that a survey reveals something in the property that will deter you from the purchase completely, perhaps because a problem is too costly to remedy, at least if that happens then you know this before you part with a great deal of your hard earned money or are stuck with a house that you are unable to sell.

If you require any further information, or even just a friendly chat, then please contact Mike Pepper on 01775 722261 or email mike.pepper@maplessolicitors.com or contact Claire Smith on 01775 722261 or email claire.smith@maplessolicitors.com or alternatively write to Mike or Claire at 23 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1DH.