When you have found a property, whether it is a new or an old building, you should inspect its condition.
No matter if this is an old, partially renovated or a new property you should consider inspection as you do not know how it had been built.
Start from the general inspection of the property. Check electrical system, mains water, plumbing, central heating and hot water boiler. Thorough inspection will prevent extra costs; do not take owners words about proper functionality into account. If this property does not have electricity or mains water, it may be essential to check the nearest connection point and the costs of extension this service to the property. You should also check septic tank if a property has it.
If you have decided to buy an old property you should check it very scrupulous. Most of the time the signs of damage are visible, though the building may have some serious problems that only professional can see. Generally problems include water pipes rust, inadequate sewage disposal, leaky plumbing, humidity, poor wiring, uneven flooring or no concrete base, subsidence, and cracked external and internal walls. Some of these problems may appear in developments that are less than five years old. Some areas may be liable to flooding, so it is advisable to inspect property after heavy rainfall, as all the leaks will come to light. If you have already checked the property then it is recommended to ask property surveyor to inspect it as well.
You lawyer may recommend you a registered local surveyor that is a member of ETEK (Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber).
Surveyor will ensure whether the house is in good condition, as well as will provide you information about the price of this property and whether it is too high and will report about the required work.
Although you can ask the vendor to have a survey done, it is not a common practice, so you should keep in mind that the vendor may refuse your request.
If a vendor does not to allow you to do a survey before signing a contract, you should take legal advice, and, most probably, to look for another property.
You should always discuss with the surveyor about conditions of inspection, what will be included and excluded from the report. A full report should include the condition of the building (particularly the foundations, walls, roof and woodwork), electricity, plumbing, and heating systems, and anything else you would like to be inspected.
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