- Condition of the house and modifications you would need to carry out to turn it into your dream house.
- Structure such as the foundation and roof which are especially costly to repair.
- Age of the electrical wiring and plumbing system.
- Signs of mould problems.
- Recent renovations.
- Listed buildings or conservation areas.
Old Houses in Tyne and Wear
Old houses have a unique charm and character, while many are considerably less expensive than the new build ones. If you would like to own a house with a history, there is good news because many are available in the Tyne and Wear region. In addition, buying an old house might be the only way to escape the city buzz and enjoy fresh air considering that there is an increased pressure on housing in suburban and rural areas in the county.
As already mentioned earlier, buying an old house can be significantly less expensive than buying a new build one. This, however, does not necessarily mean that an older house is less expensive than a new one. Most older houses need some repair works and adjustments to meet your specific needs which often turns out to be more expensive than building a new house. For that reason your are highly recommended to pay attention to the condition of the house and modifications you would need to carry out to turn it into your dream house.
If you are considering buying an old house, you should pay a great deal of attention to the structure such as the foundation and roof which are especially costly to repair. Also, be sure to ask how old is the electric wiring and plumbing system both of which are very expensive to renovate. You are also recommended to pay attention to black spots, peeling façade and smell after moisture because they indicate mould problems which may require extensive construction intervention as mould does not only grow on the wall but within the wall as well which is why the usual mould removal measures do not always work.
Just as important is to consider the changes you would like to make to adjust the house to your needs because bringing down a wall, building a stairway or converting a loft for instance may not be as easy (and inexpensive) than it may seem. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it may be a good idea to survey the house with an architect to give you an estimation of the cost of desired alterations. It is also a good idea to avoid houses which were renovated only recently because they are usually merely cosmetic improvements to increase the house’s aesthetic appeal and of course the asked price.
If you are interested in an old house in order to get a fine location, tear the old building down and build a new house, please keep in mind that some older houses are listed buildings or located in conservation areas – areas of architectural or historical interest. In this case, there is a great chance that you will not be permitted any alterations and modifications which would change its original appearance and character considering that you need a listed building consent even for minor works such as painting job. Restoration of the house to its original appearance, in the other hand, is a very expensive undertaking as it requires a specialized knowledge.