The Essential Pre-Exchange Checklist for Period Property Buyers
Buying a period home? Use this detailed pre-exchange checklist to avoid costly surprises. Cover legal, survey, finance & peace-of-mind checks.
The Essential Pre-Exchange Checklist for Period Property Buyers
When you’re buying a period home, the moment of exchange of contracts is both exciting and nerve-wracking. From that point on, you’re legally committed to the purchase — no backing out without serious financial consequences.
That’s why it’s so important to slow down and make sure you’ve covered all the essentials before you exchange. Period properties can come with hidden quirks and risks that newer homes don’t, so this stage is about protecting yourself from nasty surprises.
Here’s a detailed checklist to help you move toward exchange with confidence.
1. Legal & Paperwork
Buying an older property often means dealing with decades (sometimes centuries) of history in the paperwork. Make sure your solicitor has:
Reviewed the contract thoroughly and explained it in plain English.
Checked the title deeds to ensure there are no unexpected restrictions, rights of way, or covenants.
Looked into planning permissions for any extensions, loft conversions, or alterations. Older homes sometimes have “informal” works that weren’t approved.
Confirmed conservation status if the property is listed or in a conservation area. This can restrict what you’re allowed to do to the exterior, windows, or even internal features.
Tip: Ask your solicitor to flag anything that could limit how you use or change the property. Better to know now than after you’ve moved in.
2. Surveys & Specialist Reports
A standard mortgage valuation is nowhere near enough for a period home. You’ll want a full building survey that goes deep into the structure, roof, timber, and services.
Depending on the survey’s findings, you may also need:
Electrical, Gas and Plumbing Checks
Damp report (very common in older homes).
Timber inspection for rot or woodworm.
Roof inspection — many period roofs are near end of life.
Drain survey to check for collapses or tree-root intrusion.
Once you have reports, go one step further:
Get quotes from contractors to put real numbers against the issues.
Check your insurance position — buildings insurance must be in place from exchange.
Tip: Don’t panic if reports list lots of issues. That’s normal for older houses. What matters is knowing what’s urgent and how much it might cost.
3. Finances
Money needs to be lined up well before exchange. Double-check:
Your mortgage offer is valid (they expire).
Your deposit funds are cleared and available — usually 10% of the purchase price.
You’ve budgeted for Stamp Duty and know the payment timeline.
You’ve put aside a contingency pot for repairs, so you don’t max out on the purchase price and leave yourself exposed.
Tip: Some buyers deliberately hold back 5–10% of their total budget to tackle immediate repairs post-completion. It reduces stress and keeps your project moving.
4. Practical & Everyday Checks
These often get overlooked but can cause real headaches if ignored:
Fixtures & fittings list — make sure you know what the seller is leaving behind (and what they’re taking).
Boundaries — confirm what belongs to you and what’s shared, including fences, walls, hedges, and driveways.
Neighbour checks — ask about disputes, noise, or shared maintenance responsibilities.
Utilities — test water pressure, heating, electrics, and broadband availability.
Tip: If you can, arrange a quick second viewing focused only on these practical details.
5. Personal Peace of Mind
Buying a period property is as much an emotional decision as a financial one. Before exchange, ask yourself:
Have I had a final walkthrough (or second viewing) to make sure I’m comfortable?
Have all my questions been answered by the solicitor, surveyor, or seller?
Do I have a clear plan for completion day (removals, keys, utilities switch, insurance cover)?
Tip: If there’s still something niggling at you, pause. It’s much easier to delay exchange than to regret signing too soon.
Final Thoughts
Exchange is the finish line for due diligence. Once you’ve ticked off everything in this checklist, you’ll be in a much stronger position to move forward with confidence.
Period homes are full of charm, but they demand more homework than modern builds. By making sure you’ve got your legal, financial, and practical ducks in a row, you’ll be able to enjoy the excitement of completion without any unwelcome surprises waiting for you.
👉 Need a second opinion on your reports before you commit?
I offer quick consultations to help buyers make sense of survey findings, contractor quotes, and period property risks. Sometimes a 15-minute chat can save thousands in unexpected costs.
