Buying a home is one of the most exciting – and often stressful – things you’ll ever do. Whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder or moving up it, it’s easy to get swept away by the charm of a period fireplace or the idea of a bigger garden. But over the years, Jonathon Waterhouse, Property Solicitor and Director at Barker Booth & Eastwood, has seen many situations where what starts as an exciting move quickly turns into a legal headache – or worse, a financial disaster.
With that in mind, here are 10 red flags to watch out for when buying a property. Some relate to the home itself, others to the people involved in the transaction. All are worth paying attention to.
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The price seems too good to be true
If a property is significantly under market value, there’s usually a reason. It could be structural, legal, or linked to the seller’s circumstances. Your solicitor will conduct checks but always be alert to anything that seems like a bargain for no clear reason.
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The seller is reluctant to provide paperwork
If the seller delays or avoids providing vital documents like title deeds, planning permissions, or guarantees for building work, be wary. Missing paperwork can cause delays, future legal problems – or even invalidate insurance policies. That new loft conversion or kitchen extension might look great, but has it been done properly and is it compliant?
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You’re being pressured to use the estate agent’s solicitor or broker
Estate agents often recommend a solicitor or mortgage broker. Sometimes that’s helpful – but beware of being pushed. You are under no obligation to use them, and in some cases, you may end up with a service that’s less independent or less thorough. Always ask why they’re being recommended – and whether there’s a referral fee involved.
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There are Future developments around your property
When buying a house, future building or infrastructure works nearby can impact your purchase in various ways. There is likely to be dust, dirt, noise and road restrictions in place. But it can also impact local amenities, your view and your property value. Make sure you understand what future works are planned in the area before committing.
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The title deeds are not straightforward
Sometimes properties have restrictive covenants, rights of way, or unclear boundaries that can affect how you use the home. Other times, the property is unregistered, which adds complexity and means the transaction will take longer. A good solicitor will flag these but always read their advice carefully.
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The property is leasehold – and the lease is short
Buying a leasehold flat? Be cautious if the lease is short. It can make the property harder to sell and more expensive to extend later. A short lease can also affect mortgageability. Buyers can lose out on the property they want because they weren’t advised early enough.
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There are signs of flooding, subsidence or Japanese knotweed
These issues don’t always jump out during a viewing, but they can be flagged in surveys or environmental searches. If they do come up, don’t ignore them, just because you love the property – they can seriously impact resale value, mortageability, insurance, and long-term costs. Some useful info on Japanese Knotweed is here.
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The seller wants to rush the sale through unusually quickly
Speed can be appealing, but if the seller seems desperate to complete in a short timeframe without good reason, it’s worth asking why. It could be a genuine life event – or an attempt to push through a sale before certain issues are discovered.
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Noisy or Problematic Neighbours
Visit the property at different times of day. Talk to neighbours if possible. Noise complaints or disputes can seriously affect your quality of life.
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Your gut is telling you something’s not right
It sounds basic, but if something feels “off” – a lack of transparency, vague answers, or a sense of being pressured – don’t ignore it. Ask questions. And make sure you’ve got a solicitor who will, too. This is a major life decision, so always trust your instinct.
Buying a Property – Your Helpful Conveyancing Guide
Buying a property isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s a legal transaction with serious implications. The good news? With the right professional guidance, most red flags can either be resolved or avoided altogether.
At Barker Booth & Eastwood, we don’t just process paperwork – we protect our clients from unnecessary risk and give straight forward pragmatic advice. If you’re thinking about buying a home, talk to a solicitor early and ask the tough questions. It’s far better to be cautious now than to be caught out later.
If you’d like advice on buying or selling a home, please get in touch with our team today.
