Tackling the Tiers of Choosing Your First Home

My better half is a huge fan of Tiramisu – a cherished dessert delight. If you've ever tasted or even crafted this treat, you're familiar with its composition: layers of creamy mascarpone and delicate savoiardi biscuits doused in coffee and crowned with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Interestingly, this layered dessert concept mirrors my approach to selecting a home. Think of the property itself as the foundational layer, much like the base of a Tiramisu. For houses, it's about the walls, roof, and interior layout. When pondering a flat, it encompasses the layout, balcony (if any), and window views.

Moving on, there's the layer of the garden (for houses) or shared spaces (for flats), followed by considerations of the surrounding street and beyond. In this manner, each aspect adds a new layer, akin to assembling a Tiramisu.

However, unlike crafting a dessert, property selection involves accounting for more dimensions. We've covered the visible layers, but unseen factors play a crucial role too. Don't forget to take into account the "not-yet-present" factors – those impending changes that may impact your chosen haven.

For instance, approved planning applications for new constructions nearby could disrupt your picturesque view but an area you were about to discount could be due a regenerative face lift that you could ultimately benefit from. Being aware of imminent plans can influence your decision positively or negatively. Fortunately, these factors often surface in searches and surveys conducted by your solicitors.

Additionally, you can glean insights from local authorities' websites yourself.

Yet, there's more to consider. Unseen elements lurk within the property's title. Restrictions, covenants, obligations, and liabilities could be enshrined in title deeds. Let me point out that not all titles come with these additions. And if they do, some might no longer be relevant or even enforceable, while others persist, making attention to detail essential.

Here is one I've seen before. Ever heard of "chancel repair liability"? It's an intriguing term related to property ownership in England. Essentially, it's a historical practice where homeowners in certain areas were responsible for contributing to the upkeep of a local church. While not as common these days, it's an example of the kind of hidden responsibilities that could be attached to a property's title.

Your legal team play their most vital role here. They decipher title deed contents, advising on potential impacts. Some restrictions are harmless – no chickens in the backyard, no parking of a boat – while others necessitate deeper contemplation. Operating a home business, erecting additional structures, or even chancel liability may warrant scrutiny. To dig deeper, you can access Land Registry information for a fee. But do heed your legal team's advice in this regard.

In essence, property contemplation is multi-faceted. Beyond what's evident, understanding the local context is vital. Likewise, inspecting your future home's title deeds guards against unpleasant surprises. Armed with this awareness, you can refine your list of prospects to find your perfect haven faster.

Empowering you with knowledge, one layer at a time.