First time buyers urged to take more care

18-Jul-2007

First time buyers are not taking due care and consideration when making their purchases and are frequently left disappointed as a result, according to new research.

A study from AA Legal Services has found that just one in five homeowners aged between 18 and 29 undertook even the most basic examinations of their property prior to securing a deal, with two thirds consequently having to face up to unexpected problems.

The research revealed that obnoxious neighbours were the most common problem, with 17 per cent of new homeowners emphasising their dissatisfaction in this department.

Issues with the property itself were also common, with poor drainage, damp and leaking roofs among the most widespread hindrances.

"Young home buyers now taking out mortgages which they will be paying off for the next 50 or so years so they should feel confident about the investment they are making. Simple legal and structural checks not only give peace of mind, but could also avoid costly surprises," commented AA Legal Services head James Molloy.

Last week it was revealed that around six in ten first time buyers' first homes are within 20 miles of their family residence.

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