Ownership, history, and taxes

Start with the local property records office or online assessor database. Confirm the owner matches the seller, review past sale dates and prices, and look at assessed values and annual property taxes. Large tax differences from neighbours, or a reassessment likely after purchase, affect your costs.

Liens and legal issues

Liens, such as unpaid taxes, contractor claims, or judgments, can attach to a property. A professional title search before closing should find them, and title insurance protects against many missed issues, but early checks of public records can reveal problems sooner. Also look for easements that give others rights over parts of the land.

Permits and zoning

Request permit history from the local building department. Compare it with the property's current state: an added bathroom, converted garage, or extension without permits may need costly work to legalise. Check zoning to confirm current use is allowed and to understand what you could build or change in the future.

Hazards and environment

Check official flood maps, which affect insurance requirements and costs, and local maps for wildfire, landslide, earthquake, or other hazards where relevant. Look for nearby environmental concerns such as former industrial sites. Ask about past insurance claims, which can affect future premiums.

Associations and shared buildings

For condos and planned communities, request the governing documents, rules, recent meeting minutes, budget, reserve fund information, and any planned special assessments. Underfunded reserves or upcoming major repairs can mean large future costs for owners.

Neighbourhood and plans

Visit at different times of day and week. Research schools, transport, local amenities, and crime statistics from official sources. Check planning applications and infrastructure plans nearby, which can change traffic, views, and values in either direction.

Utilities and running costs

Ask for recent utility bills, the age of major systems such as heating, cooling, roof, and water heater, and any energy performance information available in your area. Check internet service options, which vary even within neighbourhoods. Running costs, insurance quotes, and expected maintenance belong in the purchase decision alongside the price.

Researching investment properties

For rentals, verify current rents against leases, confirm deposits held, check local rent regulations and licensing requirements, and review the property's rental history and vacancy. Compare rents with similar nearby properties. For multi-unit buildings, request operating statements and inspect every unit, not just a sample.

Outside the US

Records and processes differ by country: some have central land registries with guaranteed titles, others rely on deed records and title insurance, and planning and building control systems vary. The research categories are similar everywhere, but the documents and offices differ, so use a local lawyer or conveyancer familiar with the jurisdiction.

Questions to ask the seller

• Why are you selling, and how long have you owned the property?
• What repairs, renovations, or replacements have you made, and were they permitted?
• Have there been leaks, flooding, pest problems, or insurance claims?
• Are there any disputes with neighbours, the association, or the local authority?
• What are typical utility and maintenance costs?

Required seller disclosures vary by jurisdiction, but asking directly often reveals more.

Inspections and professional checks

Commission a general inspection, and specialist inspections where warranted: roof, structure, sewer line, pests, mould, radon, or others common in the area. Use the results to negotiate, request repairs, or walk away. Rely on a title company or attorney for the title search and closing. Informational only, not legal, tax, or investment advice.