Looking for a home is, and should be, a lengthy process. After all, this is probably the largest investment you’re ever likely to make. And you can’t take it back and ask for a refund if it turns out not to be the right one.

First of all, make a note of all the features that you want from a home, listing them in order of priority and with non-negotiable requirements at the top. Then contact RNR and ask for any properties matching your criteria. Also ask to have your details added to our database, so that any future properties will be sent on to you can register in person, by telephone or online, where you can also search and save properties in you own online account.

Once you have found a few properties you like, contact us and arrange for a viewing. Before making an appointment, ask the agent how long the property has been on the market, how many people have viewed it, and whether it is under offer. The answers to these questions will reveal much about the property before you visit it.

When making appointments, you should try and do so during daylight hours and allocate enough time to view each property in detail. It also helps if you don’t view a property when you’re in the wrong frame of mind - tired, hungry or generally fed-up – to avoid making any rushed decisions. And if possible, view the property with a member of your family or a friend, both for sec urity reasons and also for an objective second opinion. The following are a few of the aspects you should bear in mind while viewing a property, although we always recommend that you seek a professional survey.

If the seller is present, you could ask them, remembering always to be polite – it helps future communications should you decide to buy. If they aren’t, then ask the estate agent to find out for you.

General

• Why is the seller selling?
• What fixtures and fittings are included in the purchase price?
• Consider the layout of the house – are there any odd-shaped rooms which it might be difficult to get furniture or appliances into?
• Don’t be put off by the seller’s décor – try to imagine the house with your own style and furniture.
• Is the property well insulated?

Central Heating

• Is the central heating system in good working order and efficient? How old is it? Is it powered by gas or electricity? Ask to see a Winter heating bill.
• How old is the boiler and piping? Are they lagged? Lead piping will need replacing.
• How old are the plug sockets? Will the house need re-wiring? Are there enough power points to suit your lifestyle?

Structural

• Are there cracks in the ceilings and walls or doors that don’t hang correctly? Does the property have an uneven roofline or bent chimney stack? This could be a sign of subsidence.
• Does the property smell damp? Look for signs tell-tale signs such as walls which are mouldy or damp to the touch, flaking paintwork or peeling paper. On the exterior, look for missing roof
  tiles and mortar? You should also be aware of newly painted or papered walls, which could be
  concealing such problems.
• Are the windows and frames in good condition? If wooden, are they rotten or soft to the touch?
• Are bathrooms and kitchens well-ventilated? If not, there might be issues concerning
  condensation.
• Are the wooden fixtures and fittings free from woodworm?

Once you think you’ve found a property and are confident that you can realistically afford it, it’s a good idea to sit down and ask if it ticks all of your boxes. Here are some of the fundamental criteria that you should consider.

Probably top of your list is location. It’s important to do your homework and research the area before you view a house. By doing so early in process, you could save yourself a lot of time and effort. Even if you are able to get more for your money, you can make changes to the house but not the neighbourhood. So what’s the neighbourhood like?

• Is it the type of place you can imagine living happily in?
• Who lives there – what do they seem like?
• Are they the same sort of age as you?
• What type of amenities are there locally  - leisure facilities, activities for children, shops, public transport etc – please visit the RNR website for local information about Reading
• If you have children, are there children of a similar age living locally?
• What are the local schools like? Do they have a good reputation? Where are they in the Government’s league tables?
• What is the level of crime in the area? Ask at the local police station?
• How easy is it to reach your place of work?
• What council tax band will you be in? And how much will it cost?
• Is there enough space for car parking?
• What condition are the neighbouring houses in? If they are in a state of disrepair, it could adversely affect the value of your property.

By simply driving around an area will give you a good idea of what it’s like. Another good source of information is the local council and regional authority web sites? You will find a list of useful links to websites like these on www.rnrproperties.co.uk Do you want a new or older property? The character of older properties comes with its costs, mainly in terms of maintenance and heating. While some new homes will cost more or require you to buy before the property is complete. There could be benefits of purchasing a new home – some developers will often include complimentary extras such as carpets and fitted kitchens.

Once you’ve found a property that you like, make sure that you learn as much about it as possible. Look at it from every angle and make notes which you can refer to later, which you can compare with other properties and which may help you ask important questions at a later stage. If you can, make at least two visits – one during daylight and another at night. Perhaps visit during rush hour to get an idea of the amount of traffic which uses the road.

All properties in England and Wales are either freehold or leasehold.  Freehold means that you fully own the property and are responsible for its maintenance and repair. Whereas leasehold means that you own the property for as long as is specified in the lease and are granted the right to live there by the freeholder. At the end of the lease the property again returns to the ownership of the freeholder. You should not purchase a property with leasehold of less than 60 years.

If you are considering the purchase of a leasehold property, you must check who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the property as well as any other conditions you must meet as a resident. You must also pay a ground rent to the owner of the land (the freeholder), usually a small amount paid each year. Your solicitor should check that the seller is up to date with ground rent payments before you sign the contract.

As a leaseholder you have the right to extend the lease for 90 years or even to buy the freehold if certain criteria are met, although the application process is costly and lengthy. Contact the ‘Leasehold Enfranchisement Advisory Service’ for more information.