First time buyers warned about four 'hidden' issues to look out for during viewings
Owning you're own home remains a goal for many young people even as affordability continues to be a major challenge in recent years. Despite rising costs, the number of first time buyers has shot up by 19 percent in 2024 according to Lloyds Bank - marking the highest figure in a decade and signifying a resurgence in the market.
As demand for first-time buyer properties grow, real estate experts are keen to offer advice on what to look out for during viewings to help avoid potential future issues and costs.
The Home Builders Federation revealed that a huge 93.7 percent of new build buyers reported problems such as snags and defects after moving in. Older properties come with their fair share of problems too such as issues with damp which can cost up to £16,000 to fix, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Interior expert Johanna Constantinou at Tapi Carpets & Floors and estate agent Rachel Lansdell at Preston Baker have highlighted the 'hidden' home defects that first-time buyers should be aware of to avoid unexpected and costly repairs.
Gaps and cracks in flooring may signal underlying issues
'Look out for any small cracks or warping in smooth flooring, whether that's tiles, luxury vinyl or wooden floorboards, as this could be a sign of flooring absorbing excessive moisture and underlying damp problems," Johanna states.
"Persistent dampness can cause boards to lift or curl at the edges and may also be linked to leaks from plumbing or poor ventilation."
'Visible gaps between flooring and skirting boards specifically can even be a sign of subsidence, a significant problem that happens when the ground beneath a property shifts or sinks, leading to separation at joins.'
Be observant of missing roof tiles
Rachel says: "The most expensive fixes to a house are often problems with the roof or structural issues, like inside the walls or chimney."
'While you can't check the current condition of internal structures at an initial house viewing, missing or broken roof tiles can be a giveaway of potential internal damage."
"Broken roof tiles can let in rainwater in, allowing moisture to seep into the home's insulation, ceilings, walls, and even electrics, which can lead to rot, mould, and decay. Once a home's internal materials are affected by moisture, repair costs rise steeply.'
Ask the age of the boiler
'It's basically impossible to tell if there are plumbing issues when simply viewing a home, so always ask for the boiler age ahead of making decisions," said Rachel.
"As a rule of thumb, if the boiler is more than 10 years old or looks outdated, budget for a replacement, which costs around £2,000 to £4,000, and consider asking for a boiler check during your survey.'
Check the EPC
'An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, is an official document that shows how energy-efficient a home is, based on factors like insulation, heating systems, windows, and how much energy the home uses overall," Rachel says.
'Checking this before purchasing helps buyers to understand likely energy bills, while also including recommendations for improving energy efficiency which can lower these bills and therefore costs in the long term."
The experts advise first-time buyers should aways pay for a survey survey before making an offer so you can avoid more hidden complications.
'The biggest red flags that buyers often miss during viewings are hard to see, like structural issues, damp, roof issues and problems with electrics or heating systems, which is why you should always get a homebuyer's survey before committing to a purchase," Rachel advises.
"I would also recommend gas and electrical safety checks, too, if you are close to putting in an offer."
The experts also advise in investing in energy efficiency and damp proofing once you move in.
'To make your home more valuable overtime and prevent future costs, you should consider investing in high quality roofing and insulation if these are not up to standard already as this will improve energy efficiency overall, lowering bills," says Rachel.
"Even more affordable upgrades, like fitting double or tripled glazed windows, will lead to savings.'
Johanna added: 'Damp proofing your home will also save future expenses and protect your health. Affordable fixes, like sealing cracks, maintaining drains and gutters to prevent blockage, improving ventilation with extractor fans and replacing damp flooring all make a significant difference, saving you a big bill and a headache (literally and metaphorically).'
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