Owning a home is a dream for many, and a headache for others. If you are thinking about moving to the country or getting a small cottage in the outskirts with more outdoor space and great character, you should be on the lookout. There are certain property traps that you might miss and fall for, resulting in having to invest money in expensive repairs straight after you buy the home. Read about them below.

Not Checking the Condition of the Walls and Pipes

“Cottage” by allispossible.org.uk is licensed under CC BY 2.0

While you might think that all walls are solid and up to standard in the United Kingdom, this is not the case. If the house had been empty for a long time before you bought it, chances are that it was not heated. This means that there is a risk of damp and mould that might have to be sorted. If your pipes haven’t been used and maintained, then make sure to check out gate valve pirce and change the most essential aspect of a piping system, and while you are at it you might need to get a drain unblocker on the case. Even if the home has been decorated recently, you should look out for telling signs to avoid disappointment.

Internet Connection

Moving to the country is a dream that many of us embrace. Unfortunately, internet connections can be very slow in the countryside. Check how far the closest exchange is to your new home, and carry out a search for providers to see what the maximum speed of internet is you can get there. The last thing you want to realize after you moved in is that you cannot work from home when you want to.

Talking to the Neighbours

You must talk to all your neighbours to get a first impression. If you don’t know your new area, they can give you tips on shopping and schools, but – most importantly – you can decide whether or not you would like to live next to them. Buying a house is a long term investment, and you want to make sure you choose the right location and neighbourhood.

Planning Permissions

The worst thing you might need to face is getting a lovely country cottage and investing all your money just to find out later that there is an approved planning permission next door that will take away your view or send traffic down your quiet lane. There are several places you can check for a planning permission online, or you can trust a property solicitor to carry out a search.

Potential Asbestos

If you already have plans with the house you are buying, it is worth to check whether or not it has asbestos. If you want to remove walls or build an extension, having asbestos can significantly increase the cost of your building project. Get a professional on the case and upgrade to a detailed property survey to avoid nasty surprises.

“Bathroom renovations” by Sarah Stewart is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Buying your dream home is an exciting life event, and you might be already in love with the location or the building. If you get too excited, however, you might miss something important that can affect your future and your investment as well. Home buyers should avoid the above traps and double check the condition and location of your home. This way you can make the most out of your house move.