Jamie Williams, property expert at Pure Property Finance, outlined six homebuying mistakes that many people make but are easy to avoid.
The six homebuying mistakes Williams listed were poor mobile phone signal, noise levels at different times, damp and mould, lack of natural light, insufficient storage, and not researching the neighbourhood.
Williams said: “There is nothing worse than moving into a new house, especially if you’re working from home, if you can’t make any calls or use your laptop at an appropriate speed.
“Most phone websites now have a software where you can enter your postcode and it’ll tell you how well the coverage will be, before you commit to signing any sort of contract.
“This is something you need to check beforehand especially if you’re loyal to one specific network or you’re stuck in a phone contract for another year or two.”
Williams also recommended checking noise levels by visiting the area at different times throughout the day.
He noted that late-night noise from parties or other events can make it difficult to settle in and is something buyers should look out for before making a decision.
Additionally, Williams explained that damp can be difficult to remove and may indicate a costly underlying problem.
He advised buyers to check behind furniture, near windows and in ceiling corners, as sellers might place items to hide damp patches.
Natural light is often overlooked according to Williams, who pointed out that the way windows face and any outside obstructions, such as trees, can affect how much daylight each room receives.
He said that good lighting impacts mood and can make a place feel larger, as well as help reduce heating bills on sunny days.
Williams added that storage space is important to check, noting that if buyers see a lot of shoes, coats and other items left out, it could be a sign of insufficient storage.
He suggested asking whether there is enough room for belongings, as a lack of cupboards can lead to clutter.
He also advised researching the neighbourhood before purchasing a property.
Williams said: “If you’re new to a town and city completely and you don’t have much information on the area, then it would be good to join the local community groups on Facebook to get a rough feel.
“Are people talking about cars being stolen? Are people talking about gangs late at night? I’m also sure that neighbours wouldn’t mind if you knocked on their doors to ask a couple of questions, although keep in mind that they might be bias towards the area.”
