3 Things Northern Ireland Buyers Miss at Property Viewings
When you view a potential new home in Northern Ireland, legal issues are likely the last thing on your mind. However, you can save yourself and your solicitor significant time by acting as an early warning system. By checking the structure, boundaries, and shared obligations while you are on-site, you can identify potential hurdles before the formal conveyancing legal process even begins.
Structural integrity and alterations
Look for damp, cracks, or modifications that may have required building control approvals
Boundaries
Compare fences and walls on the ground with the title deed maps your solicitor will show you later
Shared costs and obligations
Ask about service charges, ground rent, and shared driveways or boundary fences that may carry maintenance obligations
1. Structural Integrity and Alterations
You need to look for obvious red flags regarding the property's condition. Specifically, keep an eye out for signs of damp, cracks, or any structural alterations that may have required building control approvals. If you see something that looks like it has been modified or added on, make a note of it. Your solicitor will eventually need to confirm if the necessary approvals were obtained.
2. Defining the Boundaries
Try to determine the physical extent of the property and the garden. You need to compare what you see on the ground with the title deed maps that your solicitor will show you later. Pay close attention to the position of fences and walls. If something looks "not straight" or just plain odd, flag it. Identifying discrepancies at the viewing stage is far easier than trying to resolve boundary disputes once you are in the middle of a transaction - or worse, when you're the owner.
3. Shared Costs and Maintenance Obligations
Not all costs are immediately obvious, but you should look for signs of shared responsibilities. Check for evidence of shared driveways or boundary fences that might imply a maintenance obligation. You should also ask about service charges or ground rent. These financial commitments can easily be overlooked during a viewing but can lead to unexpected costs and legal complications later.
Why Being Observant Matters
It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new home, but your solicitor relies on clear information to progress your move. By being proactive, you become an early warning system for legal issues that your solicitor will eventually have to investigate. Asking questions at this stage shows the seller that you are a serious, keen buyer and helps you avoid nasty surprises once the conveyancing process is underway. And if your seller is vague or evasive? Definitely let your solicitor know that!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for regarding property boundaries?
Look at the physical position of walls and fences. Compare the actual garden and property layout to what is shown on the title deed maps. If anything looks odd or doesn't seem to line up, note it down to discuss with your solicitor.
How do I know if building control approvals were needed?
While you cannot confirm the paperwork during a viewing, you should look for signs of structural alterations. If you see evidence of work that looks like it changed the structure of the house, inform your solicitor so they can verify if the correct building control approvals were secured.
Should I ask about shared costs at a viewing?
Yes. You should ask about service charges, ground rent, and any shared responsibilities like maintaining a communal driveway or a shared boundary fence. These are not always obvious, and knowing about them early can prevent surprises later.
This article is for general guidance on property viewings in Northern Ireland. For legal advice specific to your circumstances, contact a qualified property solicitor in Northern Ireland.
