Five Questions Buyers Should Ask Before Signing an Offer to Purchase

2026-08-06

1. Are there any known plumbing or drainage problems?

Ask whether the property has experienced blocked drains, leaking pipes, low water pressure or recurring sewerage problems. Older homes may still have ageing or rusting pipes, while mature tree roots can grow into underground drainage pipes and cause repeated blockages.

Buyers should also ask where the manholes are located and whether they are accessible. A blocked manhole at the bottom of a garden can easily go unnoticed during a normal viewing but may become an expensive and ongoing problem after transfer.

2. Have there been any problems with damp, leaks or the roof?

Damp is not always immediately obvious, particularly if walls have recently been painted. Ask whether the property has experienced roof leaks, rising damp, water entering around windows or recurring moisture problems.

Look for peeling paint, bubbling plaster, stains, musty smells or discolouration on walls and ceilings. Buyers should also ask what repairs were carried out and whether the underlying cause was properly resolved.

3. Are all security and electrical systems working properly?

Do not assume that an alarm, electric fence, security beams, gate motor or garage motor is functional simply because it is installed. Ask the seller or agent to confirm which systems are working and arrange for them to be tested where possible.

Buyers should also check light switches, plug points, exterior lights and any electrical items included in the sale. Replacing several faulty components soon after moving in can quickly become costly.

4. Are the pool and other property systems in working condition?

Where the property has a swimming pool, ask whether the pool pump, filtration system and related equipment are operating correctly. Buyers should also ask about the condition of boreholes, irrigation systems, water tanks, air conditioners, solar systems and inverters where applicable.

These features can add value to a home, but faulty equipment can result in unexpected repair or replacement costs. Ideally, buyers should request that these systems be demonstrated before signing the offer.

5. Are there any recurring problems or previous repairs I should know about?

Ask directly whether the property has any defects that repeatedly require attention. This may include blocked drains, tree-root damage, damp, roof leaks, electrical faults, pool problems or unreliable security equipment.

Buyers should also ask what repairs have been completed, who carried them out and whether invoices, guarantees or inspection reports are available. A once-off repair is very different from a problem that continues to return.

Buyers should take their time during a viewing, look carefully and ask questions whenever something appears unusual. If a concern cannot be properly explained, it may be worth arranging a professional inspection before signing the offer to purchase.