Choosing to buy an older property gives you a building with character and history. It is an exciting adventure, but it is also incredibly different from buying a new build. Here are some of the things you need to think about when buying an older property.
What Is Its History?
If the current owners don’t know much about the property that they can pass on to you, it could be a fun research project to look into. Old buildings can have a very rich and varied history. There is even a chance that your property is not the first building that has been on the land.
There are several sources that you could investigate to find out more about the property. You can learn more about your home and the people who have lived there before you. You fell in love with this property for a reason, so you should definitely think about learning more about it! It can be a shallow dive to find out a little bit about the property in general, or it could be a long-standing heritage project. You could even investigate some of the period features in your property to find out more about their history. The possibilities are endless!
Is It Listed?
A listed building is one of a certain age and of a certain architectural importance. When you buy your home, you should be informed if it is a listed property. You can also try to get your property listed if you think it has merit.
However, a listed property comes with its own challenges. There are some very strict guidelines in place as to what you can and can’t do with it. You need to make sure that you are always in line with these restrictions so you don’t end up with heavy fines and other issues.
How is the Structure?
When you buy an older property, there are some key things you need to learn about it to prove that it is a good investment. While the insides can be gutted and done up, structural issues can be incredibly difficult to fix. There are many things that you need to look at when choosing a property.
First of all, is the roof in good condition? You might also want to look into the walls and floors of the property. If there is any evidence of subsidence, this could be a red flag that not everything is as it seems. Make sure you tackle any structural issues as soon as possible before they have the chance to get any worse.
Are the Utilities in Good Working Order?
The issue with older properties is that they might have been modernised once, only for them to now be extremely outdated. If you are moving into an older property, you need to ensure that everything is in good working order.
The first things to check will always be the utilities – gas, water, and electricity. If any one of these is not working properly, it can be a real headache to replace. Whether you need to search for tips for upgrading your boiler or you think the property could benefit from a complete rewire, you need to make sure that you are doing everything in your power to make it the best it can be. These will be crucial to you living your life comfortably, so get them sorted as soon as you can.
Are You Ready to Take on an Older Property?
There is a very romantic notion to taking on an older property. Whether you are buying one that has been modernised by the previous owners or you are looking for what you think is the perfect fixer upper, there are still some things you need to think about. Older properties can take a lot of money to maintain. You need to make sure that you have the right budget for the house – especially if you are planning on renovating it in some way. You also need to be prepared for the fact that some things might be a little more expensive simply because this is an older property.
Nevertheless, it can also be incredibly rewarding to take on the ownership of such a home. There are so many beautiful properties out there calling for owners, and you have the chance to own a real piece of history. If you are searching for the perfect older property of your own, you can definitely take on the challenge of owning one of these magnificent homes. Always remember that it can be more work than a new-build or a modern home might be. However, it could also offer you the chance to make many happy memories in your wonderful home. Take a look at what is on the market today!
