Remember that you are buying a building to turn in to a home, not a home that happens to be a building.  Consider the structure of the property – its condition, position and facilities – should be at the heart of your decision-making, not just falling in love with the space and a brand new kitchen! 

On your first visit look how a property fulfils all your needs and wants. Write down anything you don’t like. Checkout the road at different times a day, is it a rat run? Is anyone having noisy late night parties at the weekend?

On a second visit look at what might need fixing, and the costs.  Check roofs, brickwork, chimneys, guttering and cracks.  Look at fascias, windows and woodwork and for signs of damp and infestations.  Ask if there are any guarantees if work has been done.  Check the gas, heating and electrical systems, including the age of the boiler and when it was last serviced.
  
Once you have your list and any questions, pass this to the company who is going to be doing your survey.