Melbourne’s property market is usually booming this time of the year, although it’s subject to COVID-19 restrictions, and the ongoing pandemic. Finding the right house requires careful consideration of multiple factors, research, and knowledge of hidden things that sellers might use to make a house look better than it is. Mr Conveyancer, with its years of experience in helping clients purchase their dream homes, is here to provide you with a comprehensive guide on 15 things to beware of when buying a house in Melbourne.
Ownership History: High turnovers of homeowners may be a red flag, especially if the average ownership length of the house is three years or less per owner. It’s important to find out the root cause of the previous owner’s dissatisfaction since it may imply that there’s an inherent problem with the house.
Exterior Cracks and Tilts: While the interior may look good, the exterior may cost you a fortune to repair. Check for cracks in foundations, walls, where the walls meet the ceiling, windows, stairs, outside porch and decks, and any decayed siding, door, rotting stumps or cracks in any outside walls or concrete. Bring a spirit level or a marble to check for cracks and levels. Seek the advice of a structural engineer if the cracks are large than a ¼ inch wide.
Water Damage: Homeowners can conceal water damage using paint, leading to mould. Check the underside of sinks and drawers in the kitchen, the base of toilets and tubs, and the area underneath windowsills. Warped or soft panels may confirm that there are or has been leaks in the past.
Uneven Floors: The older the house, the more critical it is to carry out a marble test to find out how uneven the floors are. Rectifying defects can be costly since the existing floor must be removed to correct the support columns, and a matching floor and finish with the original flooring must be placed.
Environmental Considerations: Notice any unusual smells that you might experience while viewing the property, such as odours, mould, or any strong chemicals. Also, beware of homeowners who use air fresheners or scented candles to cover smells.
Noise: Visit the area at different times of the day to identify the noise levels, including noise traffic, barking dogs, proximity to construction sites, or noisy neighbours. Inspect the property on different days and at varying times of the day.
Neighbourhood: Take a walk around the neighbourhood to see if it has amenities that you and your family require.
Beware of Homeowners Who Play Music: Homeowners will sometimes play music or turn on the central fan to create white noise to mask outside noise. Inspect the home without music or white noise to notice the noise level around the property.
Filters and Ducts: Check the vent over the rangehood, rangehood, standing fans, and heating filters for dust and grime, which can indicate that the rest of the house may not have been properly maintained either.
Door Jams and Window Tracks: Check how dirty the window tracks and tracks of any sliding doors are. Although this is something that can be cleaned, it can be an indication that other items you cannot easily see may not be as clean as well.
Unusual Smells or Odours: Press on any walls or floors that feel damp or may be emitting an odour. This can be a sign of mould or mildew behind the plaster or under the flooring, which can cause major problems later on.
Foul Tasting Water: Check the taste of the water to determine if it has dirty pipes or outdated piping and plumbing, which could cause problems later on.
Drainage Problems: Run water through sinks, toilets, and drains to see if there is a problem with the plumbing that could cause problems in the future.
Faulty Wiring: Look around the house for any wiring, cords, or electrical outlets that may need attention. Faulty wiring may lead to fire, so it’s essential to fix it once it becomes apparent.
Areas around the house the seller won’t allow you to see: As a buyer, you should be allowed to see and inspect every part of the house to your satisfaction. If the seller refuses to show you some rooms or areas in the house until you sign the contract, this is a bad sign and they might be hiding something.
Conclusion: Purchasing a home is a big decision, so always take the time to inspect your prospective home and take what agents or the seller disclose with a pinch of salt. Be thorough in your inspection, ask questions, and verify disclosed problems to ensure that you’re making an informed decision. At Mr Conveyancer, we have helped many clients purchase their dream homes, so feel free to contact us by calling (03) 9001 0170 or by sending us an email at settle@mrconveyancer.com.au if you’re a first home buyer or still unsure of what questions to ask.
By following this comprehensive guide on the 15 things to beware of when buying a house in Melbourne, you can buy with confidence and make a sound investment for you and your family’s future.