That said, Didsbury makes for the perfect location and offers everything a buyer could wish for.

If you ‘fall in love’ with a property then there’s a good chance someone else will too, so put your offer in with the estate agent without delay. Remember, your offer should be ‘subject to satisfactory survey’ and you are not obliged to proceed until the exchange of contracts.

Assuming the offer is accepted, find yourself a good solicitor, preferably one who comes recommended.

Your existing lender/bank/building society is a good starting point to look for a mortgage. Nowadays, with interest rates so low, they are all fighting for your business; make sure everything is explained to you fully and you understand the terms & conditions, although I appreciate that reading the ‘small print’ can be a daunting task!

Don’t delay in instructing a solicitor/surveyor and arranging a mortgage; the law in England allows the vendor to withdraw at anytime up to exchange of contracts. This could result in you losing your ‘dream home’.

Questions to ask the vendor

So you’ve found your ideal home. Now ask the seller the following:

• Have they made any improvements to the house; if so, do they comply with Building Regulations and was Planning Permission granted? (Not all jobs require Building Regs & Planning Permission, but you should check.)
• What are the neighbours like? (The vendor has a legal obligation to disclose any disputes with the neighbours.)
• What furniture, fittings, carpets, curtains (if any) will be left behind (and included in the price)?
• How much is the Council Tax?
• Is the house well insulated – cavity walls, loft, windows, doors etc?
• Have they ever been burglared? Is there much crime in the area? Is there a Neighbourhood Watch?
• When do they intend to move? (It’s no good you moving out of your property in June, for example, if they don’t intend to leave- or can’t, because of a chain – until December.)

Other things to check out:

• local schools
• parking – on street (is it well lit/do you need a permit?), drive or garage
• local transport
• local amenities (shops, parks, leisure centres, libraries etc)
• ground/chief rent (if it’s hasn’t been paid for years, you will be liable for
• up to 6 years back payment)
• heating – gas or electric
• kitchen – space for a fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher