What You Need to Look Out for When Buying a House in Manchester

Manchester has seen a staggering increase in home values. The average value of a house in this area has risen by about eight percent each year for a while now. This is great news for sellers but not so appealing for those looking to buy. Still, there are ways to navigate the system to make the whole process as pain-free as possible.

Manchester is a pretty big city ranking as the seventh largest in the UK. But, when buying a house, no matter where it is situated, there are certain house-hunting mistakes you are bound to make. There is a considerable number of things that you need to look out for. Sure, cost and appearance are usually the only things people consider, but there is far more to it.

Purchase Price vs Maintenance Price

Buying a house is a very emotional experience that can cause stress for many people. Knowing what you can afford to pay for the actual house is very different from what you will have to pay over the years. Even if the house is in excellent condition now, several unexpected things can happen. Geysers, for example, are costly to replace. In a cold country like England, these heating systems can pack up if exposed to icy wind and rain. Check that the geyser is in a safe and warm place, usually the basement. They may have a warranty of up to 10 years, but they won’t last forever. Neither will the coat of paint on the outside of the house.

These aren’t reasons not to buy a house, but rather additional future costs that you need to budget for. There is no use in taking out a loan to buy your ideal home equipped with a jacuzzi and extra parking, but you can’t afford the upkeep costs that come with owning such a home. You might be better off opting for a smaller house in a cheaper neighbourhood where the bond rate won’t be as high so that you can afford to make structural changes later on.

Overhead Protection

One other area that home buyers don’t pay attention to is the roof. It’s the very thing that protects you and your home from falling debris and harsh elements. It’s usually out of view anyway, but it will be the costliest thing in the future. Even an old roof that is well-maintained should be replaced sooner rather than later. There are many options too, you just need to know where your priorities lie. Do you want something that looks fancy or a roof that is practical and will keep your home safe? Shingles are nice looking and designed for bad weather, but are time-consuming to install and you usually need a professional for the job.

Other options include corrugated roofing sheets. You can buy corrugated roofing in almost any colour and they look quite pleasant when done properly. Sheets of corrugated roofing provides a fast solution to a cost-effective and simple way to install a roof that will easily last 100 years.

Foundation and Structure

This is a big one that many people forget about. They are usually so concerned with what it looks like on the inside that they don’t stop to inspect the house. Also, to cut costs, a lot of house hunters opt

not to use a professional house inspector. If the foundation is failing it will cost many more thousands to repair. Manchester specifically sees a ton of rain throughout the year, even during the summer months. Therefore, maintaining the foundation of a house is vital so think carefully when choosing a place to live in this rainy city.

You can inspect for cracks on the walls yourself, but always call an expert for an official evaluation. Look around the door frames and the windows. If cracks are going down the wall or the windows and doors are hard to open, those are signs that the foundation needs to be reinforced.

Storage Space and Customisability

It is exciting to look for your new dwelling. When you buy a house, you commit to living there for several years. It needs to suit your lifestyle, including how your life may change. Are you planning on building a family? You will need extra bedrooms, bathrooms, cupboards, and just a bigger living space in general. Manchester is pretty densely populated so a lot of homes currently on the market are smaller in size.

If you plan on renovating and adding a new room, you need to make sure the property size allows for additions to be made. Is a second storey possible with the current roofing system in place? The layout of the house also matters. You might want to move the bathroom to a more central location but there aren’t other rooms suitable to use.

No matter what your needs are in a home, it is always best to look around until the perfect place comes up. Don’t rush into anything and be patient because buying a house is a major decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.