http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/house-buying-guide
Before putting in an offer, pose as many questions as possible - and get important answers in writing. Nothing is too silly. Even if they don’t tell the truth, you may notice them squirming when you broach certain subjects.
Here are our top 20 searching questions to ask:
How many viewings has it had?
How many offers has it had?
How long has it been on the market?
Can I see electrical and gas installation checks/reports?
How long is the lease (if it has one)?
Have there been any neighbour disputes?
Why are the vendors moving and are they sure they want to sell now?
What renovations have been done?
How old is the boiler and when was it last inspected?
When was it last rewired?
Where are the vendors moving to - is there a chain?
If a flat, how much are service charges and ground rent? (Read more on charges.)
Who lives upstairs/downstairs/next door?
How long has the seller lived there?
What’s included in the sale? White goods? Curtains? Wood burner?
Are there any parking issues?
If there’s a real fire, is it safe to use?
Have there been any subsidence problems?
What’s the council tax band? (Also check this yourself.)
Has anyone ever been murdered here? (Google the address too.)