From: "dg" 
Newsgroups: uk.finance uk.legal
Subject: Re: Nervous First Time Buyer
Date: 15 Mar 2006 13:19:49 -0800
   posting-account=3wYViAwAAAA3Gn4YBOd_W3Xalfii8_05

First thing to remember is that the seller wants to sell the property.
He is most likely not interested what happens after the sale, and will
not tell you about faults (if any). Even if you ask direct questions,
the answers will be either "I am not sure" or "Oh yes , it was working
fine when I last used it". Either of which is of no use to you.

You should, if only for piece of mind, engage a building surveyor to
report on the property. A full building survey (aprox =A3700) may not be
required, as the property is quite new, so a 'Homebuyer Survey and
Valuation' (aprox =A3350) may suffice. Don't rely on the mortgage
valuation survey, as it is just that - a valuation.

You not only want to know if things are working and in good repair now,
but also if things will need replacing in the short and medium term. If
you commit all your money to the property now, you want to be sure of
no major repairs or replacements in the near future. A survey will give
you this information, which you can them use to negotiate a discount
with the seller.

Heating, plumbing, drainage should be tested and appliances turned on.
The roof should be inspected for leaks or rot. Double glazing units
check for blown seals, rooms checked for mould and condensation or
other dampness. Any flat roofs should be checked for age (when last
refelted) and wear

Structural problems may be fairly obvious, but less obvious things like
a faulty gas flue or wiring problem will not be so easy to see, but
costly to remedy.

dg