BEWARE SEASONALITY WHEN LOOKING FOR A PROPERTY
Top tips for house-hunters to
avoid winter discontent
With the summer months a traditionally popular time for
house-hunting, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)
today advised buyers to be aware of 'seasonal blinkers' when buying
property.
Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the NAEA, said: "It's easy
to be swayed by warm weather living when house hunting in the
summer, meaning cool living rooms, large windows and lots of space
for barbecues can be attractive. Yet it is important not to forget
how quickly the British weather can change."
NAEA has five key tips to remember when viewing a property
during the summer months:
View the property at different times of day
-this will help you see how natural light falls around different
rooms. This can be particularly important for garden flats, which
may be darker during the winter months
Check insulation and heating -note whether the
windows are double glazed and check if cavity walls/attics are
insulated. With utility bills rising, it is also worth finding out
when the boiler was installed and checking that radiators are big
enough for the rooms they occupy
Look for signs of damp -this is an important
issue at any time of year, but damp could be less obvious during
summer months. Ensure a comprehensive survey is undertaken to
reduce the risk of unwanted surprises
Think about 'all year round' gardens -decking,
patios and summer houses can add a significant amount to the
property's asking price. While these outside areas may provide a
great entertaining space in the summer, bear in mind that this
'extra room' may only be available for a couple of months every
year
Be aware of external features -any unclad or
exposed pipes may be prone to freezing in colder winter
temperatures. Equally, consider upkeep factors on external walls -
painted facades may need to be repainted regularly to guard against
harsh winter conditions