✅ Homebuying
First-Time Buyer's Property Inspection Checklist
You've found your dream home. You're excited. But before you make the biggest financial decision of your life, you need to know exactly what you're buying. This comprehensive checklist will help you spot problems that could cost thousands to fix.
Before You Even View the Property
- Research the area (crime rates, flooding history, planning applications)
- Check property price history on Rightmove/Zoopla
- Look for red flags (frequent relisting, big price drops)
- Google the address for any news/issues
- Check Environment Agency flood risk map
External Inspection Checklist
Roof & Chimneys
- Missing, slipped or damaged tiles/slates
- Sagging roof line (sign of structural problems)
- Condition of chimney (cracks, leaning, missing pots)
- State of flashings around chimney/roof joins
- Age of roof (most last 60-80 years, replacement costs £5k-£15k)
Walls & Brickwork
- Cracks (especially diagonal/stepped cracks over 5mm)
- Bulging or bowing walls
- Crumbling mortar between bricks
- Damp patches or staining
- Poor quality repairs/repointing
Windows & Doors
- Condition of window frames (rot in wood, cracks in uPVC)
- Broken or cracked glass
- Gaps around frames (drafts, heat loss)
- Do windows open/close properly?
- Age of windows (replacement: £500-£1,000 per window)
Gutters & Drainage
- Sagging or broken gutters
- Leaking joints
- Blockages (leaves, debris)
- Downpipes secured and intact
- Water stains on walls below gutters
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Free Scanner →Internal Inspection Checklist
Damp & Moisture
- Musty smells (biggest giveaway)
- Tide marks on walls
- Peeling paint/wallpaper (especially low down)
- Black mold (corners, behind furniture)
- Condensation on windows
- Rotting skirting boards
- Salt stains on walls
Structural Issues
- Cracks in walls/ceilings
- Doors that stick or won't close
- Sloping floors (use spirit level app)
- Gaps between walls and ceiling
- Bouncy floors (could indicate rot)
Electrics
- Age of consumer unit/fuse box (old ones are safety risk)
- Enough sockets? (extension leads = sign of outdated wiring)
- Scorch marks around sockets
- Do all lights work?
- Ask for EICR certificate (electrical safety report)
Rewiring a house: £3,000-£10,000
Heating & Boiler
- Age of boiler (lifespan 10-15 years)
- When was it last serviced?
- Is it combi, system, or regular?
- Do all radiators work and get hot?
- Any leaks or rust on radiators?
- Noisy pipes or boiler?
New boiler: £1,500-£3,500
Bathroom & Kitchen
- Water pressure (turn on taps, flush toilet)
- Drainage speed (slow drains = blockages)
- Leaks under sinks
- Mold/mildew (especially silicone seals)
- Cracked tiles (water can seep behind)
- Condition of bathroom suite
- Age of kitchen (replacement: £5k-£15k)
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
- 🚩 Strong damp smell + visible mold (major damp problem, £5k-£20k to fix)
- 🚩 Diagonal cracks over 15mm (likely subsidence, £10k-£50k+)
- 🚩 Sagging roof line (structural failure, £20k-£50k)
- 🚩 Japanese Knotweed in garden (unmortgageable, £5k-£10k treatment)
- 🚩 Evidence of previous flooding (insurance issues, reduced value)
- 🚩 Asbestos visible (removal: £1k-£10k, health risk)
- 🚩 Seller refuses surveys (they're hiding something)
Questions to Ask the Seller
- Why are you selling?
- How old is the roof/boiler/electrics?
- When were windows last replaced?
- Has there ever been damp?
- Any structural work done?
- Any disputes with neighbors?
- What's included in the sale?
- Are you in a chain?
- Any planning applications nearby?
- Can I see utility bills? (to estimate costs)
Post-Viewing Actions
- Get professional survey (Budget: £400-£1,500)
- Consider specialist surveys if needed (damp, structural, electrical)
- Calculate total cost (purchase price + repairs + fees)
- Negotiate price based on defects found
- Get buildings insurance quotes (issues = higher premiums)
The £49 Alternative: AI Property Inspection
Before spending £400-£1,500 on a full survey, consider an AI property inspection for just £49:
- Upload property photos
- Get AI analysis within 24 hours
- Identifies damp, cracks, structural issues
- Professional PDF report
- Decide if full survey is needed
Smart Buyers Start with AI Inspection
Know what you're dealing with before spending on expensive surveys. From £49.
Get Started →Final Pro Tips
- ✅ Visit twice - once in daytime, once evening/weekend (hear noise levels)
- ✅ View in rain if possible (spot leaks, drainage issues)
- ✅ Talk to neighbors (they'll tell you about problems)
- ✅ Take lots of photos (you'll forget details)
- ✅ Bring a friend (fresh eyes spot more)
- ✅ Check mobile signal (some areas have no coverage)
- ✅ Google "property address survey" (sometimes old surveys are online)
- ✅ Don't be rushed (spend at least 45 minutes viewing)
Budget for Hidden Costs
First-time buyers often forget these:
- Survey fees: £400-£1,500
- Legal fees: £1,000-£1,500
- Stamp duty: 0-12% of price
- Removal costs: £300-£1,000
- Immediate repairs: budget 5-10% of price
- Furniture: £2,000-£5,000
- Decorating: £1,000-£5,000