| When you find a place you like, knowing what features to look for can make a big difference.
Inside the Home
- Bedrooms - How many & how big are they?
- Cupboards & wardrobes - Check for the smell of damp or mildew
- Storage space - Check for space in the kitchen; are there wardrobes in the bedrooms?
- Gas - Is there gas for heating or cooking?
- Chattels - Which are to remain and have these been included in the agreement? For example, heaters, carpet, curtains, dishwasher
- Sun - Where does the sun fall and at what times of the day?
- Water pressure - Run the taps and shower to check the water pressure
- Insulation - Check above the ceiling and under the floor for insulation
- Heating - What heating options are available, such as a fireplace?
- Movement - Check for evidence of house movement such as cracked window sills or walls
- Roof - Look for stains on wallpaper or ceilings to check for leaks
- Dry rot and borer - Test the floorboards
- Electrical Wiring - Check the meter box for old or worn wiring
- Floorboards, doors and windows - Check to make sure they are sound and in good order
- Security - Is there an alarm, or safety catches on the windows?
- Remember - you are allowed to organise an independent builders report
Outside the Home
- Deck or garden - Is there an outside area to relax in?
- Fencing - Is the property fenced?
- Traffic - Are you on a main road that could get busy at peak times or be dangerous?
- Zoning Restrictions - Check with local authorities to see if there are zoning restrictions or major development plans
- Flooding /Slipping - Look at banks, streams and check for erosion for any potential for flooding or slipping
- Structural Defects - Check for alterations to the house, such as basements and verandas, that may not comply with building codes
- Alterations - Check for any alterations made to the property that do not appear on plans
- Parking - Is there parking on the street to accommodate either your car or visitors' cars
- Boundaries - Compare the boundary's marked fence or boundary peg with the ones on the title
- You can get a copy of a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report from your local council (which covers many of these points
Neighbourhood
- Where is the nearest bus stop, school, park and shopping centre?
- Is the area improving in value - check for anything which may affect it in the future
Remember, you don't have to buy the first house you see, and always seek advice and opinions from your lawyer, family and friends before signing anything.
It's easy to apply for a BNZ home
loan today.
BNZ home loans are not available through brokers.
Our home lending criteria and an establishment fee apply. A Low Equity or Low Doc interest rate premium may apply. Not available for business purposes or packaged offers.
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