Amidst the sea of unpacking boxes and settling in, when you move into a new property it is important to get your documents updated and check that everything is in order and the way you expected it as soon as possible. Some of the key things to review include:
- Take electricity and gas meter readings Speak to the existing energy suppliers and switch if appropriate
- Speak to the existing broadband and phone suppliers
- Change the locks and alarm code
- Get appropriate insurance cover for your property, contents and also your car
- File all the legal paperwork related to the purchase
- Contact your bank, mobile phone provider and other personal accounts and suppliers to update them with your new details
- Contact the DVLA to update your driving license
- Get a Will
In addition to organising accounts and information for your future life in your new home, it is vital that you check everything is working in the property as per your agreed missives. The seller should have disclosed any problems with the property, and certain issues will have been picked up in the survey via the Home Report, but it is your responsibility once you have the keys to check that everything is as expected.
- Does the water flow through the taps and no drains are blocked?
- Are the gas appliances including the central heating in safe working order – call in a gas safe engineer?
- Are the electrics safe and in good working order?
- Does the garage door open?
- Do the windows open properly?
- Is the central heating working?
- Are the fixtures and fittings (e.g. oven, washing machine, fridge and freezer) that were included in the sale all in working order? Normally these are not guaranteed by the missives.
- Are all the furnishings that were included in the sale there?
Some of these items are not guaranteed in terms of the missives but, for your own safety and that of your family should be checked. If a claim is a valid claim in terms of the missives, the seller is only obliged to reimburse you if the cost exceeds £400.
New build properties are often covered by warranties. However, if you have bought an older property, contact your solicitor as soon as you find an issue and they will try to resolve the matter with the seller’s solicitor amicably. If a dispute arises, you may need to initiate court proceedings to secure compensation which can be a long and expensive process.
We are here to help you through the whole buying process. Our conveyancing team have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this area and can help identify any potential issues with a property and advise you of any additional precautions you need to take to ensure a smooth transaction and you settle in your new home as easily as possible.