How To Find The Right House To Buy In Rochdale

You’ve managed to sell quickly, but what if you can’t find the right house to buy? After selling your home, you may feel the pressure to secure your next move. Or perhaps you’re house-hunting as a first-time buyer and don’t know where to start? Fortunately, there are plenty of options locally – read on for some strategies that could lead you to your dream home.

Rochdale’s housing market has a lot to offer, with a short commute into Manchester and easy access to the South Pennines in areas like Littleborough and Milnrow. In our article, we share the steps you can take to research the market and find inspiration, and the questions to ask before buying a house.

These are our top tips to find the right house to buy in the Rochdale area.

8 Steps To Finding The Right House In Rochdale

Try following these 8 steps to find the best house in Rochdale for your needs.

1. Use the best online research tools

Use online research tools like Zoopla, Rightmove and OnTheMarket to find out about the local housing market.

2. Find out what homes have sold for in the area

Find a home in your price range by using an online tool such as nethouseprices to reveal local purchase price details.

3. Explore the local area

Think about what you want from your new home, then explore the area virtually and in person. Littleborough is well-connected by rail with scenic Hollingworth Lake on your doorstep. Areas such as Heywood and Bamford are home to the Ofsted Outstanding rated schools, which could suit families.

4. Research flood risk in Rochdale

Flooding can raise your insurance premiums and impact your property value, on top of the personal upset and inconvenience. Some areas of Rochdale are affected, so use resources like the gov.uk check for flooding service to find out more.

5. Check if there are plans for development

Research the current Local Plan and find out about any developments in your search area. You could face site traffic and construction noise from new developments or find that your house or garden will be overlooked.

6. Make the most of viewings

Visit in the day and evening for a realistic impression and ask the agent if you can take photos for reference. Find out if the local parks are well-maintained and how long it really takes to access local amenities.

7. Talk to the neighbours

What do the neighbours say – is there any insider knowledge they can share about the area? You can find out how well-maintained and presentable the surrounding homes are at the same time.

8. Potential for resale/development

Look out for issues that may put off future buyers when it’s time to resell. Does the property have genuine development potential or are the problems hard to overcome?

9. Talk to a local estate agent

Your local estate agents can tell you what’s available in your budget, what’s coming onto the market and how competitive it is. The team at Cowell Norford will be happy to advise.

How Long Does It Take To Find The Right House In Rochdale?

On average, it takes 4 to 12 weeks for buyers to find the perfect home, but it can take six months or more. After finding the right home, it takes an average of two to three months to complete the property purchase.

Questions To Ask Sellers

Talk to the sellers to clarify information about the property and the sale. These are some of the questions you should ask when you view a house:

• When did they put it on the market?
• How long have they lived in the house?
• Why are they moving?
• Have they found a house they want to move into already, and is there a chain?
• Is parking permitted, or is there an allocated parking space for the property?
• Are there any ongoing disputes with the neighbours?
• Is the open fireplace well-maintained and in good working order?
• Where is the boiler, how old is it and has it been inspected recently?
• Have they done any renovations, and what are the details?
• Are the curtains and white goods included in the house sale?

Problems To Watch Out For

There are pros and cons to many homes, but some issues could cost you money down the line. Before you buy a house, buyers should check for the following problems:

Subsidence

Subsidence can make a house unsafe to live in, and it’s expensive and challenging to repair the damage. As a result, it can lower a property’s value and cause higher home insurance premiums.

Short Leases

Lease extensions on a lease with 80 years or less can be expensive, and it will become increasingly difficult to remortgage or resell.

Service Charges

Find out exactly what service charges you will be liable for before buying a leasehold property. Note that ground rent shouldn’t apply to a new build home lease.

Unreliable Sellers

If you get the impression the seller is unreliable or not serious about moving, think carefully before making an offer. You could waste time and money if they back out later.

Signs of Damp

Be alert to damp, musty smells and look for visual signs of damp such as condensation on the windows, damp patches on the walls, or mould.

Old Wiring and Electrics

Find out when the house was last rewired, and test light switches to see if they’re in good working order.

Buying a home can be stressful, but researching the market and knowing what to look for can make the buying process clearer. At Cowell Norford, we pride ourselves on our local market knowledge and high standards of service. Speak to us today to find out how we can help you take your next step on the property ladder.

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