Some of the less foreseen problems could involve barking dogs, noisy neighbours or gangs of youngsters on the street. It is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to local issues when buying a property.

Many people view their prospective property through rose tinted spectacles. They may have already fallen in love with the property and not be prepared to see the potential pitfalls. Always bear in mind that the vendor is probably allowing you to view at a time that is convenient to them. This could be while next door are walking the barking dog, or the kids from hell are at school.

The vendor may be hiding the fact that the road is jammed at three o'clock with parents collecting their brats from school. They may be arranging for you to view to avoid times of the day that gangs of teenagers congregate in the park, drinking and taking drugs. If there's an alleyway running alongside the property, is this used as a lovers lane at night, or does this present a potential security risk via easy access for burglars. Is that footpath a local lavatory for pub goers caught short on the way home? Street furniture could also become inconvenient, a street lamp shining directly into your lounge or bedroom, or a bus stop providing interested travellers a clear view through your front windows. 

If your new home is positioned near a doctor's surgery or busy shops, is this going to cause parking problems? In some cities, parking permits out number available places, so even if you are able to buy permission to park you may not get a chance.

Remember it's an estate agent's job to sell the benefits of a property. Schools may be promoted to attract young families or a quiet "cul-de-sac" could become a football pitch or a roller skating rink during schools holidays for example.

Although the seller's solicitor will ask about annoying neighbours and any outstanding disputes it is unlikely they are going to advertise these issues, after all they are looking to move out.

Not everyone has the time to investigate every aspect of their new purchase but here's a list of handy hints that may save you some heartache in the future. After all you don't want to buy a property that you will have difficulty selling in the future. 

Top Tips

• Drop in at the local police station and ask to view the local crime figures. Maybe compare these with the area you're moving from.
• View the property at different times. If you make the first viewing at the weekend make sure the second is on a weekday evening.
• Visit the local park in the daytime and in the evening, this could present a host of truths.
• Drive around the area during the evening and again at closing times. Pay attention, especially if there's a local pub close by.
• Park in your prospective new street and spend an hour monitoring the traffic flow
• Don't be frightened to talk to your potential neighbours and ask questions about the area. People will definitely be nosy enough to want to know about you!!!
• Is there a local neighbourhood watch? Make a point of speaking to the group leader.
• Check where that footpath ends up. Does it run through to a different side of the estate that you would really not wish to live in?
• Visit the local shop. A retailer is going to be happy to talk to a prospective new customer.
• Visit the local authority web site and view relevant local environment issues. 

I hope this list saves some of you a bad experience or two. If a property is going for a keen price then always look a little deeper. Local problems could be reflected in that price. At least if you know about a problem you can then decide if you can live with it. If there is a crime problem you could fit extra security. A local gay bar could be very handy, or late night cruising in the park may not be something you object to! 

Subscribe to the Pink Finance monthly newsletter and keep abreast of what's new on the site by clicking here. Your address will not be shared with any third party and you may unsubscribe at any time.

©2001-2002

Please note that the articles contained within this site were written for Pink Finance and are subject to copyright. They may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the editor. Graphics/images/logos and site design are by John Myers and remain his copyright. Likewise, they may not be reproduced in any form without prior written consent.