What to look for in a property
When you're thinking of buying, your requirements will vary depending on your personal circumstances and on the sort of property you wish to buy.
You may be looking for a family home, an apartment or an investment property. Whatever your needs, our team at LJ Hooker House can help you find the perfect property here on the Lower North Shore of Sydney.
Consider the following checklist:
- Before you decide on anything do you have your loan approved?
- Will you enjoy living in the neighbourhood? If you want more local information see our suburb profiles here.
- Is the house sound? If you have any doubts at all, hire building and pest inspectors to check. We can put you in touch with them, just ask.
- Are there any long-term costs or issues such as body corporate fees, jointly owned driveways?
- What type of Title is the property? Is it Torrens Title, Company Title, Strata Title, or some other? Ask your solicitor to advise on the Title.
- Does the entire house, including alterations, have the required Council permits?
- Is it built for the climate? Is it insulated? Will it be warm in winter, cool in summer?
- Have you asked your local council about planning issues like the possibility of any big developments planned or construction of new roads nearby?
- If big changes are needed to make the property comfortable, then it's a good idea to know the costs before you make an offer
- Is the house and land suitable for your stage in life - are there too many stairs, is the garden too steep?
Then think about the detail:
- Does the house have enough bedrooms?
- Are you happy with the garden - or its potential?
- Will you have good access to the facilities you need such as schools, doctor, medical centres and shops?
- Are there enough bathrooms?
- Is there enough garage space? Is the garage accessible from inside the house?
- Will you have problems with traffic or noise?
- Is the kitchen serviceable?
- Is it safe for your family, eg children, the elderly or disabled?
- Is it suitable for pets?
- Are you happy with the building's security?
- Check under the house - is it dry?
- Is the block well drained?