By Nadine Stevenson, Residential Property Partner at Goughs Solicitors
October is a month for fresh starts. The children are back at school, routines return and there is often a renewed motivation to get organised, declutter and to prepare for the months ahead. What better time to give your property an October MOT too?
Your home is likely to be one of the biggest assets you own, so taking a little time to check that everything is in order could save you time, stress and expense further down the line. These are six simple checks to help homeowners get their property, paperwork, and their plans in order this autumn.
1 Check your property paperwork
Do you know where your important property documents are? Take some time to make sure you have easy access to things such as guarantees, planning permissions, building regulation certificates, and other paperwork relating to your home. It’s easy for important property documents to disappear into filing cabinets and be forgotten, so keeping paperwork organised can make things much easier if you decide to sell or remortgage in the future.
2 Have you made changes to your home?
Perhaps you have added an extension, converted your loft, built a garage, or made other significant alterations. If so, check that you have retained the relevant paperwork. It is particularly useful to do this before you decide to sell, as missing documents can cause delays during the conveyancing process.
3 Take a look at your boundaries
October is a good time to walk around your property and look at fences, walls, hedges and other boundaries. Do you know where your legal boundary actually sits? Have you made any changes since buying the property?
Boundary issues can be surprisingly complicated, particularly where neighboring properties are involved. If you are unsure about your boundary or are planning work close to it, getting advice early can prevent problems later.
4 Review your property plans
A October reset is also a good opportunity to think about what you want from your home over the next year. Are you considering moving, downsizing, remortgaging, or helping a family member onto the property ladder?
Even if you are not ready to take action yet, understanding what will be involved gives you time to prepare.
5 Thinking of moving before Christmas?
If a new home is on your Christmas wish list, October is a good time to start planning. From getting your finances In order to making sure your current property is ready to go on the market, preparing early can help keep the process moving.
6 Check your mortgage and ownership details
When was the last time you looked at your mortgage and property ownership details? If your circumstances have changed since you bought your home, it may be worth checking that your arrangements still reflect your current plans.
For example, you may be considering remortgaging, transferring an interest in the property, or making changes to how your property is owned. These decisions can have legal and financial implications, so taking advice before making any changes can help you understand what is involved.
An October property MOT doesn’t have to be complicated. A little organization now can make a big difference later, leaving you free to enjoy the season with one less thing to worry about.
For further help and information, contact the property experts at Goughs Solicitors.
Nadine Stevenson, Residential Property Solicitor and Partner
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