On 15/07/15 09:18, AnthonyL wrote:
For a variety of reasons I've got to being a pensioner and have never
bought a house through an agent in the UK.

I've just had an offer accepted on what appears to be a well presented
and maintained 1960's extended (floor level only) bungalow.

Yes there are lots of websites but I'd appreciate some of this groups
experiences especially with solicitors and surveys plus anything else
you'd do differently if you had known what you know now.

Three fallen through sales, two purchases that fell through, six offers
made, over thirty properties viewed; I've learned a lot these two years
past.

Do as much research as you can, ideally before making an offer, before
instructing solicitors etc.

Study local maps, lookup local area on web (many villages etc have own
website). Local papers online. Check council websites for planning
applications: not just current but for the possible history of the
propery. It only costs £3 to check the title at land registry. Fllod
maps can be found at the environment agency website. Check if listed
building.

I have mixed feelings about surveys. It seems you are paying largely for
the professional indemnity insurance, the report will be so full of
caveats and arse covering pieties that anything really important may be
lost in the noise. If possible arrange to meet the surveyor on site
immediately after he has done, you may get more sense face to face than
will be committed to a written report.


http://apps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/37837.aspx

https://eservices.landregistry.gov.u...0c6McFQH3SLFU/

http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co...p#.VamA73UUV1Y

http://cti.voa.gov.uk/cti/inits.asp

https://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange_mapping#

http://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list

http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx