Shrewd buyers' question time

DREAM homes often cost a pretty penny but there may be even more to pay if you don't ask the right questions to uncover hidden faults before you buy.

- By Deborah Stone

And as the average time spent viewing a property is less than 30 minutes even buyers who return for a second or third time may miss red flags.

That's why St Modwen Homes is urging buyers to check five important issues that could prevent their new home from becoming a money pit, including the boiler, loft insulation, the real state of parking and whether broadband speeds are good enough to work from home.

Another crucial issue is the Energy Performance Certificate, which is now legally required for property sales, with the exception of listed buildings that can't be upgraded. Of course, new-build homes would have no boiler or loft problems, which is partly why the developer has issued this advice.

Many of St Modwen Homes' new-builds come with private drives and garages so there's no problem for car owners.