Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial investments you'll make in your lifetime. The process can be thrilling yet daunting at the same time. 

Asking the right questions upfront will help you avoid unwelcome surprises and make the best decision for you and your family.

What Questions to Ask When Buying a House

What Recurring Costs Are Involved?

When budgeting for a home, look beyond just the purchase price. You need to factor in ongoing ownership costs affecting your monthly cash flow. 

Two key areas to investigate when buying a house are council rates and strata fees if the property is part of a plan or development.

1. Council rates help fund local services and vary greatly by region and property type. Check a few years of past statements to see the trend - are rates stable or increasing sharply? Especially with the current market, these figures can fluctuate a lot.

2. Strata fees cover building insurance and maintenance of common areas. Review the strata budget to understand what's covered, and watch for special levies you may not have considered.

2. What’s the Condition of Big Ticket Items Like?

Major home components like the roof can cost thousands to replace. Find out when big ticket items were last updated to avoid any unexpected and costly surprises in the near future. No one wants to deal with a collapsed roof or ceiling.

• Ask the current owner about the roof's age and type. Inspect for signs of wear, like cracked or missing tiles, and ensure your Pest and building report outlines these aspects carefully.

• If the roof is nearing the end of its useful life (typically 15-25 years), negotiate on the price from the seller to offset future replacement costs.

3. Have Any Renovations Been Done? 

Smart renovations by the seller can enhance a home's value, but you’ll need to verify work was permitted and done properly in the first place. Don’t just take things at the surface level – you never know what’s hiding underneath the hood (or roof).

• Ask about renovations or upgrades, like kitchens, bathrooms, extensions or swimming pools. Check council records and see if any red flags pop up.

• Ensure all required permits and inspections were obtained for renovations. Shoddy workmanship can be a money pit.

4. What’s The Current Internet Connection Like?

Modern life relies on internet access, we don’t need to tell you that. Avoid potential hassle by asking:

• Is the home connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN)? Having fibre or cable internet speeds already installed is a major perk, especially if you work from home or have a larger family.

• If not, what are the options to connect to high-speed broadband and at what cost?

5. How Is The Neighbourhood?

The neighbourhood and location impact your daily life more than you may think, so before buying, get a sense of:

• Noise levels, traffic, parking, crime rates, and other factors that determine liveability.

• Proximity to amenities like shops, parks, schools, and public transport.

• Scope out the vibe by visiting at different times of the day. Talk to neighbours and gauge their feelings about their own neighbourhood.

Final Note

Buying a home is one of the most important investments you'll ever make. While the process can seem daunting, asking the right questions upfront arms you with the knowledge to make smart, informed decisions.

An expert agent like McKean McGregor can help you get these answers, ensuring you know all the details of the home you’re considering. Contact us now to start your home-buying journey.