Buying a house can be a scary and unfamiliar process for first-time buyers. Here are some tips on buying property in 2018.
GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER
Check with your bank or mortgage provider what kind of loan you can get for buying property. What kind of money can you get, and what term can you get it over?
Remember, in Ireland there is a set age that your mortgage will not go past. If you are thinking of getting a mortgage in your 50s, your mortgage term will be less than if you are getting a mortgage in your 20s.
How much of a mortgage loan you can get will determine the budget for your property search, so this should always be the first initial step in your journey.
BUDGET
It is very important to set your budget when buying property. This is vital both in terms of finance, and in terms of focusing your property search. Your budget can determine many aspects of your property search, including location.
Ask yourself if the property will need to be renovated before you move in. Take the cost of this into consideration.
Do your research into what comparable properties have sold for in the current market. Asking prices can simply be put to attract attention; the vendors may have higher expectations.
FIND THE RIGHT PROPERTY
List out all of the things that are essential for you in a property (amount of rooms, transport links, schools, garden, etc). Ask yourself what can you live without. Knowing exactly what you are looking for in a property will reduce your search time and improve your chance of success.
The most important things to consider when searching for the right property are
- what area you want to buy in
- why you want to buy
- how long you intend to own this property for
In Ireland’s property market today, it is essential for a buyer to be proactive in their search. The perfect property will not find you – you must find it. Set up email alerts from property websites, consistently check new property listings, and consider hiring a buyers’ agent to find a property on your behalf.
MAKE THE MOST OF TECHNOLOGY
Using your smartphone or laptop in your property search can make a massive difference in terms of time spent and success. Far too many people get sidetracked by going to view dozens of properties during their search. In 2018, the focus of your search should definitely begin online.
Websites such as Daft and MyHome are invaluable to buyers as they can show you what properties are on the market, and which are most suited to your needs. Using such online portals can be a great way to reduce the time spent on your search.
Use sun-tracking apps to see if the sun will be blocked from your garden by any obstructions. This can stop you paying a premium for a south-facing garden that is always in the shade.
USE YOUR HEAD
If you fall in love with a property online, make sure to visit it in person. Walk, use public transport, and drive to it – simply doing one of these is not enough. This can be a great way of seeing if this property is right for you.
Have a chat with neighbours or people in the locality. Try not to be put off by that one guy in your office that tries to turn you off a particular area without ever having lived there! First-hand information is always the best.
CONSULT EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS
For most people, buying a property is the biggest financial investment of their lives. Having the support of experienced professionals when buying property can, therefore, be essential. Ensure that your buyers’ agent, solicitor, surveyor, contractor, etc., are all experienced and reliable. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and consult previous clients’ testimonials to find the best possible property professionals to help you through the buying process.
If you are looking to enlist the expert help of Eldron Property Consultants for your property search, request a free consultation and we will get back to you.
