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Checklist: What to look for when viewing a property

1. What is the condition of the common areas?

Check that the common areas are well maintained and in good condition, particularly the following:

  • The entire building
  • Gardens, grounds, courtyards and car park
  • Waste collection points
  • Lighting
  • Entrance gate
  • Footpaths

2. Is there a management company in place?

  • Does the sales brochure or contract refer to a management company or service charges? If you decide to buy, make sure your solicitor explains what these mean to you
  • What is the management company’s registered name?
  • Who controls and runs the management company? Is it the owners or the developer?
  • Have the common areas been handed over by the developer to the management company?
  • Who is the managing agent?
  • Is there a residents’ association? It may be wise to talk to an officer of the association to find out how well the residents, the management company and the agent work together
  • Are residents in conflict with the management company (for example are they refusing to pay service charges)? If they are, the management company may eventually collapse and no services will be supplied
  • What are the house rules and the rules on using common areas such as gardens, car parks and courtyards? Find out who can use what and when

If you are buying a newly constructed home off the plans, check with your solicitor whether the planning permission for the development requires a management company to be set up.

3. How good is the existing management company?

If you are buying in an established development, make sure there is a management company in place. At a minimum the management company should have:

  • A good and active board of directors
  • A service charge that covers all services and standards that you will need
  • An adequate ‘sinking fund’

Ask the management company when an AGM was last held, and whether the annual returns and accounts have been filed.

4. What if the building needs a major overhaul?

Check when the last major overhaul of the complex was carried out. If no major refurbishment has been conducted for a number of years, there may be demands on owners to pay for these costs.

You may also need a structural survey carried out by a qualified surveyor before you put a bid on the property.

It is important to get professional advice such as a chartered surveyor’s report about the condition of your unit, the state of repair and about how often maintenance will be needed.

5. Is the building safe and secure?

Check that a valid Health and Safety Statement is clearly displayed.

Find out when the last fire inspection was carried out and if there is a Health and Safety Officer in the management company. In particular, check that:

  • Fire exits are kept free and clearly marked
  • Emergency vehicles have easy access
  • All lifts and gates are working

Also check that the following are in place, and ask if they are working:

  • CCTV (closed circuit television)
  • Intercom
  • Alarm system
  • A safe entrance