Property risks
What to check before you buy
The risks to check before you buy a UK property — crime, flood, tenure, planning, condition, demand and landlord rules — each explained with the questions buyers actually ask.
Crime & safety
How to read crime data before you buy, what it means for mortgages and insurance, and the questions buyers actually ask.
ExploreFlood & environment
Flood risk, radon, mining and ground stability — what affects lending, insurance and safety, and how to check each one.
ExploreTenure & lease
Leasehold terms, ground rent, service charges and the 2024 reforms — what to check before buying a flat.
ExplorePlanning & constraints
Planning permission, building regs, Article 4 directions, conservation areas and listed buildings — what you can and can’t do.
ExploreProperty condition
EPC and the 2030 rules, council tax bands and premiums, and build-type issues like spray foam, RAAC, knotweed and damp.
ExploreLocal amenity & demand
Schools and Ofsted, broadband, transport and the demand signals that drive resale value.
ExploreLandlord legislation
Licensing, the Renters’ Rights Act and HMO rules — the obligations that apply to lets (informational for owner-occupiers).
Explore