When being shown around a property what are the key things to look for, and questions to ask?

damp proof course
guarantees for any work, like the windows
how new are the electrics, the boilers, the heating system
neighbour problems,
sewage problems
access to property, rear gardens , driveway, who owns and repairs then
look for furniture hiding anything
parking
ask if there are any problems, their reaction will give you some clues even if they say there is not.
Attic space, useable?
roof , guttering condition, hard to see but could be costly.
flat roofs, can be problem areas too, if water ponds on them.
is the water metered or rateable value
freehold or leasehold, if lease how long left or how much
if a flat, is there a communal area maintence fee etc.. or a lease fee to the factors.

go back at night , say 10, and see what the area is like then
view the house again, you will see more the 2nd time.

Go to the planning portal on the county council website, you can do a search with the postcode to look for previous planning permission applications, it also will tell you if the neighbours have any plans in for massive extension etc..

I've worked in real estate for six years, in the office of one of the top agents in Los Angeles. This answer won't be everything you need to know, and things do work a little differently in different areas, but I hope this will be a good start.

* Have your own agent -- often known as the Buyer's Agent. Your agent will have your best interests in mind, will help you negotiate the best deal, navigate legal issues, etc. All agents are required by law -- and by their licensing board and their insurance -- to act in good faith and to disclose everything known about a property. An agent will not try to hide things from you or rip you off. That would likely result in getting sued and losing their real estate license.

* Let's assume you've picked a neighborhood and your agent has found some available homes. Before you go look in person, get the basic info - it's usually online. Need at least three bedrooms, a certain number of square feet, a fenced yard? Make sure your agent knows your requirements. Don't waste your time looking at homes you know won't work for you.

* Many things you should look for in a home really depend on your tastes. If you have young children, you might want all the bedrooms close together. If you entertain a lot, you might want a very open floor plan. Other things, however, require more consideration. A living room can easily be redone with different paint and new window treatments. To redo a kitchen, however, could cost thousands - or tens of thousands. Kitchens, baths and flooring can be very big ticket item - make sure you're happy with them, or are prepared to invest the time and money in renovations. If you like the house but see things you'd want to remodel, your agent likely has great contacts and can help you get estimates on remodeling bathrooms or refinishing wood floors.

* As far as more complex issues about the condition of the house...that comes later. Generally, here in LA, you'd find a house you like and make an offer on it -- an offer which is contingent upon securing your financing, and upon the outcome of inspections. Your agent will check the title on the property for ownership issues or liens, and assist you in scheduling all of the necessary professional inspections -- here, we schedule and attend all the inspections on behalf of our buyer. They can include a general inspection, mold, termite, chimney, geological and more. The inspection reports will tell you if there are structural issues, problems with wiring, plumbing, fireplaces, the roof, et cetera. Afterwards, your agent can negotiate with the seller to repair any major problems before the sale, or ask them for a credit in the amount it would take to have them fixed. Just remember that an agent isn't an inspector, and neither are you! Leave it to the pros to discern the condition of the property.

* Are you looking at a condo, a townhome, or a house in a community with a neighborhood association? All of these will probably have homeowner's dues that residents are required to pay each month. Make sure you know whether there are dues, and how much they are -- and also any rules or regulations specific to that building or neighborhood (guest parking, remodeling or adding to the home, and so forth).

* Finally, If you know you'll be moving before too long, you may want to pay extra attention to potential resale value. Your agent can provide you with data on how home prices have changed in your neighborhood over time, can tell you what features (high-end kitchen, pool, a large lot -- home trends and buyer demands are different everywhere) will help a home maintain a high value, and can help you compute which available homes are a good value for the price.

Best of luck in your search!

Look for Signs of badly done DIY. Check anything that looks as though it's been added since the house was built and see if it wobbles or has gaps. This is especially important with conservatories, kitchens, bedroom and loft conversions. If anything looks or feels badly done it could lead to expensive work for you later on.

Be very careful of any extended electical wiring. These days most work on a building's mains supply is controlled under Building Regulations Part P and must be certified. If there has been any wiring work done ask to see the certificate, or make sure you surveyor checks for it.

Be sure to ask where the fuse box is. They can be almost anywhere so it's a fair question that shouldn't upset the vendor. When you see it then take note of it's condition. If it's an older house with a metal box with rust on it then complete re-wiring is probably overdue.

Look for cracks in plasterwork and brickwork, especially near or in extensions and conservatories. This could be a sign of subsidence.

Glance up at the roof and look for broken tiles.

Inspect the fence posts. If the fences wobble then you may be in for post replacement. It's not a deal breaker but you could use it to negotiate the price down a bit. The same applies to rotted wooden window/door frames.

Look out for nearby trees. The roots may endanger your property if they're too close.

Make sure that the garage door opens and closes ok, especially if it's an up & over type. These often have dodgy mechanisms. Look to see if it's been dented; a car impact can affect the mechanism. This could be a negtiation point.

Beware of cat flaps. I came across one that had been cut (illegally) into an internal fire-door. Also, a badly placed cat flap could allow a burglar to reach up to your internal door handle. You should negotiate for cost towards a replacement door.

Get a written list itemising exactly what items they're including in the sale (carpets, curtains, light fittings, sky dish, tv aerial, etc); list what things they're offering to sell to you (& the price). Basic light pendants are a legal MUST to be left behind, make sure that your solicitor notes this.

Is there a footpath running behind the back garden fence? If so then it could be an escape route for a burglar. See that the fence is in good condition.

Ask the vendor how they neighbours are? They are obliged by law to give an honest disclosure if there have been any disputes.

Take note of the vendor's attitude. If they're cagey or reluctant to answer questions then you should assume that they're hiding something.

If "next door" has a large barbeque grill (it may be under a cover) then it's likely that they're summer evening "party people". They maybe very nice people but if you don't like having a noisy and smoky BBQ going on next door almost every summer eveing then you should consider if the area is right or you. The same applies if they have children's playground stuff in their garden.

Look around the nearby neighbours' houses to see what general condition they're in. Beware of anyone who looks as though they're running a second-hand car business from their front garden. A Neighbourhood Watch area is good. If one is operating in the road you should join it - they work.

Check the road and the adjoining roads for signs of vandalism. Anything more than a Very Small bit of graffiti should ring alarm bells. Smashed bus shelters/phone boxes means "look elsewhere".

Drive around the area in the evening before you visit the property. Look for congestion of parked cars and vans. You may find that at evenings and weekends the road becomes very crowded. This may cause you and any visitors a problem.
Also watch out for any gang gathering points. Crowds of youths are not always bad and out to trash the neigbourhood, but they can be noisy even if they're benign.

ask them if the property is haunted by law they have to tell you the truth now

The electrical and construction is up to building code, all building permits were obtained before any home improvements were made. Have a licensed contractor inspect the place you want to buy. Have it termite inspected. All of these things are listed at the time your real-estate agent draws up the intent to purchase papers.
Is it close to school, church the market, where you work. If you find the home on a week-end, go back back during the week to see the street traffic around the area. The noise level too

why is the property up for sale? investigate the reasons given by canvasing the neighbours. look for basic problems to water and electric (loose, dripping etc). the smell of the building is important. (flood damage?).

You mean a house you're looking to buy?

Foundation--cracks, moisture, ground contact, if in earthquake country is house bolted to foundation

Electrical--fuses or circuit breakers (prefer the latter), romex wire, is the wiring up to code

Water pressure in bathroom and kitchen (run them at the same time)

Cracks in the walls can indicate foundation problems, as can doors that are not plumb

Check for soft spots in floors, any water stains on walls or ceiling (especially those that look as if they have been recently painted over)

Mold

When was the roof last replaced/repaired

Ask about any crime in the area or known problems with the house (all of which have to be disclosed by the seller in the buying process, but it's good to ask beforehand)

Well one tip I would give doesn't relate to the property itself but the neighbourhood. Do they have noisy neighbours, is it a safe area after dark, what are crime levels like, access to local amenities, also for what reason are they actually moving, that kind of thing. You won't get a straight answer about alot of things because these people are trying to sell their property so you'll probably have to do your own detective work.

Check for signs of cracks, mould, rot etc but also check out newly decorated areas. If the whole house is done fair enough but if just one area be suspicious.
Is there lots of air freshners about, if so, why?

Also check electrical sockets. Are there enough? Will they be adequate for you? Will your fridge and freezer fit?

Can you park outside, not just daytime but at night as well. Come back at night to check this as well as what the area is like after dark.

Call on the neighbours, they will always be honest!

So many, so be careful. There is a site which lists all the pitfalls that can be associated with buying a property, this is given below.

If you can find out why they are selling, this is going to be to your advantage.

Go back and take a second or third look. Don't worry if you think you are being a pest. This is probably the most important purchase you will make in your life, so take great care.

Best of luck.

well owners and realators try to hide things so if theres curtains look a the window fame and if theres floor mats look under them, there might be tiles missing, and ask how much the monthly bills run there, and if they don't know you can call the electric company they will tell you.

Good Kitchen & Bathrooms. No Damp, electric's in good order,
Ask about neighbours!

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