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The vast majority of house viewings are a positive occasion where you can focus on the room sizes, decoration, property location and outdoor space. However, there are some homes where even if everything looks good, hidden problems can lurk undetected around every corner. When buying a home, you should always instruct either a level 1 condition survey, a level 2 home buyer survey or a level 3 full structural survey, and these should pick up all the major issues featured in this post.

It is important, however, to be aware of the main warning signs so you can do your research and possibly save yourself money if you identify a major problem before putting in an offer and getting too far into the house buying process. Read on for our top 8 warning signs to look out for when viewing properties.

Japanese Knotweed

These two words can strike fear into the heart of home buyers, estate agents and surveyors alike, and experts in the plant have reported that due to warmer winters and the effects of climate change, it has been spotted growing up to six weeks earlier than usual (https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/apr/01/homeowners-warned-as-climate-crisis-turbocharges-knotweed-menace). It affects around 5% of homes in the UK and can severely reduce house prices and stop you being able to get a mortgage on your new home.

Japanese Knotweed has red roots, heart shaped leaves and white flowers, and it is most likely to appear in your garden between August and October. It is so dangerous to homes because it can invade and expand into walls, foundations, drains and roofs, causing cracks, structural damage or even subsidence. Sellers are legally obliged to declare if there is Japanese Knotweed on their property and if you decide you still want to buy, you will need a plan in place to deal with its removal and eradication. The sellers also need to work with a removal company that is approved by your mortgage company, otherwise you may be refused a mortgage on the property. It can cost around £6500 to remove Japanese Knotweed so it is definitely something that needs sorting out before you buy.

Major Wear and Tear Issues

If a home hasn't been very well looked after, you may notice issues such as cigarette smoke stains on the walls, damaged carpets or an overgrown garden. While issues like these shouldn't cause you any problems when it comes to securing a mortgage, they may also be hiding more serious issues caused by long term neglect of a home and may affect the house valuation. Major wear and tear issues may also cost money when you move in, as you will have to do more decorating, tidying and cleaning. Replacing carpets, for example, could cost upwards of £1000, which is money you may not have in your budget. If the problems are major, you may be able to negotiate the costs of these repairs off the asking price which could make some savings.

Mould and Water Damage

Mould and water damage can be quite easy to spot when looking around a property. Check around the windows and the corners of the rooms for black spots and damp patches, check the plaster work for signs of damage and touch the walls to see if they feel cold and damp. For water damage, check the ceilings for any signs of previous issues, such as water stains or holes, which may have been caused by a burst pipe or water leak. You may also notice an unpleasant musty smell as soon as you enter the property. Damp and mould can cause serious health issues so it is definitely an issue that needs addressing promptly. Again, if you notice signs of damp, or your survey flags this as a problem, it could be a negotiating factor because redoing a damp proof course or mending leaking pipes can be expensive.

Issues with the Roof

It can be difficult to take a good look at the roof when viewing a property but it is not an area you should neglect. Missing or broken tiles can cause leaks and can cause further damage in wet and stormy weather. A poorly maintained roof could also cause problems with insurance claims because they may not pay out in cases of long term neglect.

Flooding and Subsidence

Flooding and water leaks can cause subsidence which is when the foundations of a property start to sink into softer, waterlogged ground. If the house you are viewing is in an area which is prone to flooding, insurance premiums will be higher and it may be more difficult to obtain a mortgage. A property can be underpinned to reinforce the foundations, but this can cost around £12,500 on average.

Energy Efficiency Issues

Always ask to see the EPC when viewing a house as this will show you have energy efficient the property is. The EPC uses a scale of A to G with A being the top and G being the worst rating. The lower the score, the higher your energy bills could be and you could also be facing more costs such as installing a new boiler or adding loft or cavity wall insulation.

Problems in the Local Area

Something that a traditional survey won't pick up is any anti-social behaviour problems in the local area. Local police often release crime statistics by postcode area so you could check out any highlighted problems or ask the current homeowner or neighbours if they encounter any issues. It may also be beneficial to visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day to see if there are any problems with traffic, noise or anti-social behaviour. It is also worth researching local schools, public transport and local amenities to see if the area will suit you and your family.

Local House Prices are Decreasing

A house is a home, but it is also an investment for the future, so it is important to know whether you are making the right choice. You can check whether house valuation prices are falling or rising in the area of your prospective home by checking the UK House Price Index (https://landregistry.data.gov.uk/app/ukhpi/). You don't want your property investment to lose value or you could end up in negative equity which will cause problems when it comes to selling your home.

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