5 problems to look out for when buying a house – and how to avoid them

Finding your dream home should be exciting, but a few unwelcome surprises can quickly complicate the purchase process.  

Common problems when buying a house include unexpected survey findings, short lease terms, missing building safety documents, invasive plants and property disputes. Identifying these issues early can help you understand your options and reduce avoidable delays. 

If you're buying a property, Katrina Lamont, Director of Legal Operations at Eden Conveyancing, shares five issues to look out for, what they could mean for your purchase and how your conveyancer can help.  

A property might look perfect when you view it, but a survey can reveal issues that aren't immediately obvious. These could include damp, subsidence, roof damage or another issue that needs further investigation. 

What does this mean for your purchase? 

 Depending on the findings, you may need to arrange specialist investigations, discuss repairs with the seller, or reconsider whether the property is right for you. 

Something flagged on your survey doesn’t automatically mean there’s something wrong with the property. But it does give you more information about its condition so you can make an informed decision. 

Katrina says: "A viewing cannot tell you everything about a property's condition, so it's really important that people get a survey as soon as you’ve instructed your conveyancer.  A surveyor's physical inspection of the property is vital to get a full picture of what you're buying."  

How can you avoid delays?  

Consider arranging an appropriate survey early in the process. If it identifies anything concerning, seek advice from the relevant specialist and let your conveyancer know if the findings could affect your purchase. 

If you're buying a leasehold flat, it's important to understand how many years are left on the lease. This is the period during which you have the right to occupy the property. 

Leasehold properties are owned for a fixed term under a lease term, and the remaining length can have implications for the property's value and mortgage options as well as the potential cost of extending the lease. 

What does this mean for your purchase? 

A shorter lease doesn't automatically mean you should walk away, but it is something to investigate early. Extending a lease may be possible, but the options available and costs involved will depend on the property's circumstances. 

Katrina says: "The lease term on your property matters because this can affect your mortgage and options available to you as a buyer. As a lease term gets shorter, the property can become more difficult to sell and mortgage lenders typically have minimum lease requirements. Any lease with less than 99 years remaining should be investigated and a conveyancer can support with the precise lease term, whether your mortgage lender's requirements are met, and if the agreed price reflects the shorter lease." 

What should you check before buying a leasehold flat? 

Ask the estate agent about the remaining lease term before making an offer, where possible. Once you've instructed your conveyancer, they can review the lease and explain any issues that could affect your purchase. 

If the lease is shorter than expected, finding out early gives you more time to understand your options and any additional costs.