What to Look Out for When Buying Your First Home?

You’re all set to purchase a home for the first time. One might dream of buying a property in Malta with five bedrooms or with a pool, but in reality, as a first-time buyer, you might not afford it. Perhaps a studio flat or a maisonette for sale or a two-bedroom apartment might do the trick. And it might not have a view nor it being in a prime area, but hey, it’s going to be your first property for sale and you want only the best. At least, the best you can afford.

There are some things to look out for when buying a property in Malta as a first-time buyer and chances are few people will tell you about them … until after you’re done. So, just after you’ve toured that property which seems to be just right, here are some eye-openers to keep in mind and to double-check as a first-time buyer.

Neighbourhood is key

Check out the neighbourhood. You may have been taken to view the home at a particular time of day. And it seemed ever so peaceful – the perfect neighbourhood. But is it like that at other times of the day and during other times of the week? If you’ve visited on a midweek afternoon, perhaps you’ve overlooked the fact that the house overlooks a Sunday morning market, a schoolyard, and a wood merchants’ warehouse.

Check out the building from the outside, from the back and sides. The front of many first-time buyer properties in Malta looks pretty neat, then you turn around the corner and you find there could be problems with that building site leaning against your would-be property – is the work ongoing; could it cause damage to the property’s structure?

1. Roofs and ceilings

Take a look at the roofs and ceilings out in the company of a trustworthy architect who can advise on how sound a roof is and whether the ceiling of upper or lower-storey rooms requires any major overhaul.

2. Building permits

Ask the same architect to check out building permits for upcoming or ongoing works up and down the street. Some pending projects may drastically change your perspective apart from blocking your sea or country view, and blotting out the very reason why you’re thinking of buying that property for sale in Malta rather than another one.

3. Structural changes

If you are envisaging major structural changes, check out the original plans to see whether previous changes could have jeopardised what you’re aiming for.

4. Water is important

If a property has been closed for quite some time, check out those water taps, flush those toilets, and check the water tanks on the roof. When water pipes have been off-service for a considerably long time, there may be the need to get them professionally checked out to see what sort of extra expenses are involved to get them going again.

5. Baths and bathrooms

Check the baths in the bathrooms. Cracked bathtub enamelling may indicate that you will need to change the bath before you try to use it.

If you’re agreeing on the purchase of a property in Malta, be clear as to what the previous owners are actually leaving behind and what not. Homeowners have been known to depart carrying off TV antennas and aerials, washing lines, water tanks, telephones …. even the oven from the fitted kitchen. Much to the new owners’ dismay.

6. Parking space

If you and your partner both have cars and don’t intend to purchase parking space, check that the neighbourhood has plenty of parking slots available – otherwise you might need to do away with at least one of your cars or spend every evening touring town before you find somewhere to leave those wheels.

To start your path toward becoming a first-time buyer in Malta or Gozo, contact one of our estate agents or a member of the RE/MAX Malta team now, or browse through our first-time buyer homes. Learn more about the common pitfalls for first-timers buying property in Malta or Gozo.