Have you ever wondered what questions you should ask when viewing a property? Here are 5 of the best.

There is an art to moving home well. This is not a sweeping statement, but a matter of fact. Some people are just better at it than others.

It will normally start by looking at the internet. Then making a shortlist and viewing the houses. Finally comes the most important part of offering and securing the property at the right price.

Part of the skill to negotiating is about having as much information as possible. So, it is important when you view that you are asking the right questions.

We’ve come up with a helpful list of questions we think you should ask on every viewing.

1. How long has the property been on the market?

If the property has been on the market for a long time the vendor will be more flexible on price. On average it takes 6 weeks to sell a house in the UK, so if it has been available for longer look to make an offer on the price. A house which has just come to market (or isn’t even on the market) won’t be available much below the guide price.

2. Have the vendors found somewhere to move to?

If they have found another house to buy they won’t want to miss out on it. They may have a minimum price they can accept in order to secure their ongoing purchase, but if they have their eye on something it is worth testing them. If they are still yet to find another property they will be less open to offers.

3. Why are they selling?

People sell for many reasons. They might need a bigger house as their family has grown or need to move due to a job relocation. However, there are 3 main things to look out for when asking this question: death, debt and divorce. All 3 reasons will probably mean the vendor needs to sell quickly. If the house is being sold for any of these reasons then be bullish when you offer.

4. Have there been any offers?

The number of offers there have been on the property will show you the popularity of it. If there are lots of offers then you will need to offer more money. If there haven’t been any then it is worth testing out a lower offer. It might be that an offer has been accepted and has fallen through for some reason. Try and find out why. Again, this is more information you can use in your favour.

5. What is the lowest price the vendors will accept?

This is a question which most people won’t ask. It’s worth remembering here that the agent is working for the vendor. Their job is to sell the property for the most money they can, so it is worth taking their answer with a pinch of salt! However, they do have to sell the property to get paid and if they think you are a good buyer they will try and make the transaction happen.

We hope you have found these tips useful. The house buying process shouldn’t be a painful one, as long as you ask the right questions along the way. If you would like more help then do contact us on info@oxfordpropertyconsulting.co.uk.

If you have found your next home and you are struggling to sell your current one then try reading our 5 top tips on selling your home.