🎓 Advanced Lesson 18: Mastering Due Diligence on Properties Before Making an Offer
✅ Property Due Diligence Checklist
Use this checklist before making any offer on a property. It ensures you have verified key facts, uncovered potential risks, and protected yourself from surprises.
🗂️ Property & Ownership
- ☐ Property address confirmed and correct
- ☐ Owner is legally entitled to sell or lease
- ☐ Seller motivation verified (e.g. debt, probate, time pressure)
- ☐ Title checked via Land Registry (optional £3 search)
💷 Valuation & Rental Estimates
- ☐ 3+ recent comparable sold prices within 0.5 miles
- ☐ Average market value calculated and noted
- ☐ 3+ current rental listings found on OpenRent or similar
- ☐ Area has good tenant demand and low voids
📍 Area Research
- ☐ Crime rates acceptable via Police.uk or StreetCheck
- ☐ Local employment and transport links verified
- ☐ Nearby development or regeneration plans (council website)
- ☐ Not in high-risk flood zone or conservation area
🏠 Construction & Property Condition
- ☐ Construction type is standard (brick/block)
- ☐ EPC certificate checked for efficiency & heating type
- ☐ No signs of subsidence, major damp, or roofing issues
- ☐ Not listed or subject to special planning controls
🔐 Legal & Mortgage Status
- ☐ Seller confirms mortgage amount (if any)
- ☐ Letter of authority offered (if lender contact needed)
- ☐ No pending legal claims, disputes, or notices
- ☐ Tenancy agreements (if tenanted) are valid and provided
📝 Notes
Use this space to summarise concerns, highlights, or questions to raise with your solicitor, mortgage broker, or JV partner.
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📁 File This Checklist
Save this checklist as part of your property deal log. It demonstrates your professionalism, protects your partners, and gives you confidence in your negotiations.
