First-time buyers must carry out structural checks

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by Gill Montia

According to AA Legal Services, one fifth of 18-29 year olds do not carry out basic evaluations of their first property and young homebuyers are being urged to perform legal and structural checks on a property before buying.

The research suggests that 66% of new homeowners experience problems during the first 12 months. Common problems are rotten windows, drainage problems, damp, leaking roofs and draughts.

Only 28% of new home owners arrange for an independent structural survey before purchasing their property and in the case of young people this figure drops to just 7%.

A spokesperson for AA Legal Services commented that first time buyers are now taking out mortgages for the next 50 years so simple checks can avoid costly surprises.