Top 10 Things to Look for When Buying a New House

Before stepping through the front door, take time to research the local area. Explore the neighbourhood’s vibe: look into local shops, cafes, parks, and transport links. Check the school catchment areas if you have children or plan to. Visit community forums and local social media pages to get an authentic feel for day-to-day life there. A good starting point is to look at our area guides. As local Nottingham estate agents with plenty of local knowledge, we offer detailed insight into the area and its amenities.

Draft a checklist of what truly matters to you. Beyond the basics like number of bedrooms and garden size, think about your daily life: Do you need a home office? Is off-street parking essential? This list helps keep your emotions in check during viewings, ensuring you judge each property against what you really need, rather than what simply looks good. Looking at the floor plan is also essential, as it gives you an idea of potential future renovation projects and the possibility of changing the layout to create more space and add value to the property.

A neighbourhood can feel completely different depending on the hour. Try to view the property in the morning, afternoon and evening. Notice things like traffic noise during rush hour, street lighting after dark, and how much natural light floods into the rooms. This gives you a fuller picture of what it’s really like to live there. A south-facing garden is always a great perk, so be sure to ask about that when viewing the property.

Don’t hesitate to ask the seller or estate agent detailed questions. Find out why the owners are moving, how long the property has been on the market and if there have been any recent renovations. Ask about local developments, average utility costs and what the neighbours are like. The more you ask, the fewer surprises later. A lot of the information will already be available on the property listing on the agent's website or the Rightmove listing, so make sure you take your time to read that.

Look closely at the property’s condition. Scan walls and ceilings for cracks or signs of damp. Test light switches, run taps to check water pressure and flush toilets. Keep an eye out for mould, damaged roof tiles or outdated wiring. These clues can hint at future costs and negotiation points.

Request the property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and check the rating. An energy-efficient home is often better insulated, cheaper to heat and might already include features like double glazing or solar panels. This can make a big difference to your bills and your home's environmental footprint.

Bring a tape measure to your viewing. Measure key areas to ensure your furniture fits comfortably and that the rooms suit your lifestyle. Imagine where your dining table, sofa or bed will go. This practical step helps avoid disappointment after moving in.

Take a walk around the surrounding streets. Notice how busy the roads are, whether there’s plenty of parking, and check the distance to the nearest park, shop or bus stop. The shops you’ll want to look out for include grocery stores and supermarkets. It’s also worth checking for nearby schools and colleges. Our detailed area guides can help you find which areas are best suited to people at different stages of their lives.

Even if you’re happy with the property now, consider how it might suit your life in years to come. Could you convert the loft into an extra bedroom? Would you want to update the kitchen? Factoring in possible renovations helps you decide if this house can grow with you.

Finally, try to see beyond fresh paint and staging. Picture yourself cooking in the kitchen, relaxing in the living room or enjoying the garden on a summer day. If you can truly see yourself living there happily, that’s often the strongest sign of all.

If you’re thinking of buying, selling or letting your property, get in touch with Comfort Estates. We’re a local independent estate agent, and our team has in-depth property knowledge of the Nottingham area. We’d love to help.