Buyer Guidance

Recommendations and due diligence advice for your property search

recommend Best Property For...

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Families

Property A — Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private garden and multiple reception rooms give a growing family exceptional space, flexibility and room to evolve. The study doubles as a homework room or nursery. The Moseley school catchment and outdoor space add further family appeal.

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Investors

Property B — Barnes SW13 offers superior long-term capital growth potential, stronger rental demand from affluent London tenants, and the structural security of share of freehold. The prime London location underpins values through market cycles better than any regional city equivalent.

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Professionals

Property B — For London-based professionals, the Hammersmith transport hub, riverside cycling access and prestigious SW13 address are unmatched. However, for remote workers like Bob who no longer need a city commute, Property A's dedicated study, superior space and lower price point make it a compelling alternative.

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First-Time Buyers

Property A — At £855,000 with substantially more space, a private garden and freehold ownership, Property A offers significantly better value for money. The lower price point also means a more manageable mortgage, and there are no service charges or communal cost unknowns to navigate.

checklist Due Diligence Checklist

assignment Surveys

  • check_circle Full structural survey (RICS Level 3 Building Survey) for Property A — essential given the age of the original Edwardian structure and the nature of the rear extension, to confirm build quality, damp, and structural integrity at the junction between old and new
  • check_circle RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report for Property B — appropriate for a solid Victorian mansion block, with specific attention to the roof condition, any damp penetration at the top floor, and the state of the Everest secondary glazing
  • check_circle For Property A: commission a specific inspection of the bi-fold doors, skylight flashings and underfloor heating system by a specialist contractor before exchange

gavel Legal Checks

  • check_circle Property A: Confirm full planning permission and building regulations completion certificate for the rear extension; verify no restrictive covenants affecting the driveway or garage use including cycle storage
  • check_circle Property B: Obtain full details of the lease — confirm remaining term (must be above 80 years to avoid costly extension), current service charge accounts, reserve fund balance, and any planned major works or pending litigation involving the management company
  • check_circle Property B: Verify the share of freehold structure — confirm how the freehold company is constituted, who the other shareholders are, and what rights and obligations attach to the share
  • check_circle Both properties: Commission local authority searches to check for any planning applications, road schemes or development proposals near either site that could affect value or lifestyle

help_outline Questions to Ask

A Property A
  1. Is there secure, lockable cycle storage within the garage or outbuildings for Bob's bikes?
  2. What is the confirmed floor area in sqft, and can full architectural drawings of the rear extension be provided?
  3. Is the study positioned away from the main living areas to support focused remote working with minimal noise disruption?
  4. What are the cycle routes from Salisbury Road into Birmingham city centre, and how long is the commute by bike?
  5. What is the current broadband provision and maximum speeds available at the property — essential for full-time remote working?
  6. Are the bi-fold doors and rear extension fully under building regulations approval and warranty, and is there a structural engineer's sign-off?
B Property B
  1. What is the remaining lease length, and what are the current annual service charge and ground rent figures?
  2. Is there any allocated or permit parking available for Tara's car, and what is the cost and availability of a Barnes CPZ permit?
  3. Can one of the three bedrooms realistically be used as a dedicated home office without compromising guest accommodation?
  4. What is the confirmed floor area, and are full floor plans available for the apartment?
  5. What cycle infrastructure exists between the property and Hammersmith Bridge, and is the riverside path to central London accessible year-round?
  6. What works have been carried out to improve the EPC E rating, and are there any planned major works by the management company that could trigger a special levy?