The 4 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Before Purchasing a London Period Home

You’ve found a flat you love. Maybe you’ve even put in an offer.
This is the stage where emotions run high, fireplaces, cornices, sash windows and it’s easy to push forward without stepping back.

👉 If you’ve made an offer, this framework could be the difference between a smart purchase and a £10k–£100k mistake.

But a Victorian, Georgian, or Edwardian home isn’t just charm. It can come with hidden risks and costs that most buyers (and even surveys) gloss over.

Before you commit fully, ask yourself these four questions:

1. Property Condition

Do I fully understand what I’m buying?

• Surveys are broad; hidden issues often need specialists (damp, roof, structure).

• Condition drives everything else — including cost and financing.

2. Cost

Am I clear on the true cost?

• Purchase price + legal/stamp duty/fees

• Immediate works after exchange

• Medium-term fixes (roof, services, joinery)

👉 Get the full Pre-Exchange Checklist

3. Financial

Can I fund and protect this purchase?

• Will a lender approve a mortgage?

• Can I get insurance at a sensible premium?

• Do I have headroom for surprises?

4. Valuation

Does the valuation reflect reality?

• Am I paying the right price compared to similar properties?

• Does it reflect condition + upcoming costs?
  (Example: if market value is £500k, asking price £420k, and remedial cost ~£50k, this could be a strong deal — even though works seem high.)

• Does it align with my 5–10 year goals (investment, lifestyle, resale)?

Pro Tip

Mortgage advisors see survey reports every day. If they’re comfortable lending under the current condition, that’s often a strong sign you’re in safe territory.

Final CTA

This framework is simple but applying it to a real property isn’t.

We have access to transaction data, and coordinate surveyors, damp specialists, roofers, and contractors so buyers can answer these questions with confidence.

👉 Learn more about our due diligence & renovation coordination services
👉 Book a free consultation today