What to ask your Estate Agent as a first-time buyer

Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but it can also be a complex process. There are several factors a first-time buyer should consider before making an offer on a property, including understanding the difference between leasehold and freehold and checking council tax bands.

We’ve detailed some questions you can ask your estate agent to help you make an informed decision.

How long has the property been on the market?

Find out whether the asking price has already been reduced, and whether they have received any previous offers. A property that has been listed for a while may mean there is room for negotiation.

Why are the owners selling?

Learning why the homeowner is selling can provide leverage in negotiations. If they need to move quickly for work or are looking to buy a new-build property, they may be open to accepting a lower offer.

It also gives an opportunity to spot red flags and any potential hidden costs. For example, if the owner mentions a dislike of the neighbourhood, this would suggest an issue, or if they are selling quickly, this may indicate that the property needs more maintenance.  

Freehold or leasehold?

If the property is freehold, it means you own both the property and the land it sits on outright. Leasehold means you only have the right to live in the property for a certain number of years and don’t own the underlying land.

This is important for flats and some houses. If the property is leasehold, it’s wise to ask:

- How many years are remaining on the lease?
- What are the costs of the annual ground rent and service charges?
- Are there likely to be any increases or major works?

Are there any issues with the property?

The estate agent is obliged to tell you if they are aware of any problems with the property, including:

- Damp or mould
- Roof repairs
- Flooding
- Subsidence
- Electrical or plumbing

These issues will show on a survey, but it's always good to ask these questions early on.

Council tax band

These are often shown on property listings, but if not, it’s worth asking as council tax can vary significantly depending on the band and local authority. Knowing costs will help you budget.

What's included in the sale of the property?

Some fixtures and fittings aren’t always included in the sale. It’s good to find out whether certain items such as kitchen appliances, sheds, and wardrobes are included.

Is there a chain?

Understanding if there is a chain will help you determine how quickly a sale can go ahead. Asking whether the seller has found somewhere to buy and how many transactions are involved in the chain can be helpful.

What are the average running costs?

To help you budget, you can ask about typical utility bills, energy efficiency, and broadband availability.

Asking these questions can help reveal any important information before making an offer. The more clued up you are at the beginning, the smoother the process to homeownership is likely to be.