I think I've made the mistake on this thread by assuming things to be black and white. Buying a property (whether for yourself or as an investment) is obviously more complex than whether it is in the right place, or if the fuse board is 30 years old. There are many things to think about and consider.
Firstly buying an investment is completely different from buying a home, and secondly i think buying any property is completely different for an "ordinary" person, as apposed to somebody with a skilled trade.
In my experience of property investment I have always started out with wanting to provide a home for the prospective tenant. It is my philosophy that if I provide a good environment for a tenant, they will in turn care for the property as if it were their own. Ideally I want a long term tenant and the best way I have found to do that is to appeal to families, couple of kids and a dog.
Following on from that it is important that I pick a property in a nice area to attract my target market, something with a garden at the front of the house is one thing I look for.
When it comes to the actual property itself and it's condition, I only really check that its structure is sound. Everything else will be renovated to ensure its long service. I have favoured terraced houses because they are relatively cheap to kit out.
The above is just a snippet of my experience with property investment, and to swing it back to some form of relevance, if I can see that a property (regardless of whether it's a home or rental) needs work of any sorts, that will be reflected in my offer as I've previously said.
I agree with what's been said that if an ordinary house buyer, who has no idea about the structure and engineering in the property, needs some professional guidance from fine fellows like yourselves.
BUT, I also think that if somebody is making a property purchase, a massive financial outlay is being put down. The buyer should have educated themselves enough prior to house hunting of what to look for in a house when buying it. Anyone can tell the difference between a board of 3036's or a breaker board; checking if doors close is usually a good sign of the structures integrity; and the level of dust above door frames will tell you how cared for the property was.
So, do I think a house needs a full set of certificates? No. Does this hinder an ordinary house buyer? Not if they have common sense. (wiring no good? Put a lower offer in or request work is done) and I also think in most cases, somebody buying a house is usually more bothered which way the sofa will go and where is the best position for their 42" plasma is.
Any who, that's my two cents on the matter, make of it what you will. I hope onoff enjoys his new house and we get to see some nice photographs
Ps if you guys are so concerned with all these properties being sold without atleast a visual then why aren't you out leafleting the houses with for sale signs?!
