Buying a home is a dream come true for many, but it can also turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful. Hidden problems can cost you thousands in repairs, and even stop you getting a mortgage!

The Sun asked a property expert to reveal the 7 most common issues you need to watch out for:

1. Subsidence – Cracks Could Cost You £14,000!

Subsidence is when the ground under your house sinks, dragging the foundations down with it. This can cause cracks in your walls, especially around doors and windows.

Expert Tip: Tiny cracks under 0.5mm are normal, but bigger cracks mean trouble! Look out for:

• Doors sticking: If a door doesn’t close properly, it could be a sign of sinking.
• Uneven floors: Place a ball on the floor – does it roll in one direction? That’s a bad sign!
• Cracks around windows and corners: This is a clear warning sign.

How much it could cost you: £6,000 – £14,000 to fix!

2. Invasive Plants – Goodbye Garden Dreams, Hello £12,000 Bill!

A pretty garden can be tempting, but be careful! Certain plants can cause serious damage to your home.

Expert Tip: Watch out for these troublesome plants:

• Japanese knotweed: This is the worst offender – it can destroy your foundations!
• Bamboo: This fast-growing plant can spread and damage your property.
• Buddleia & Ivy: These can cause serious damage if left unchecked.

How much it could cost you: £1,000 – £12,000 to remove Japanese knotweed alone!

3. Missing Roof Tiles – A Leaky Roof Could Cost You Thousands!

A leaky roof can cause damage and cost you a fortune in repairs.

Expert Tip: When viewing a property, do a walk around to check the roof. Look for:

• Missing or loose tiles: This is a sign of a neglected roof.
• Debris on the ground: This means tiles are falling off!

How much it could cost you: £5,000 – £8,000 for a new roof!

4. Poor Insulation – Cold Homes Mean Big Energy Bills!

Poor insulation can make your home drafty and expensive to heat.

Expert Tip: Check the temperature in different rooms. If one room is noticeably warmer or colder, it could be a sign of insulation problems. Also, ask about:

• Window glazing: Double-glazing helps insulate your home.
• Wall & Roof Insulation: This keeps the heat in and lowers your energy bills.

How much it could cost you: Up to £340 more per year on your energy bills!

5. Mould and Water Damage – A Musty Smell Could Mean £1,200+ In Repairs!

Damp and mould can be a health hazard and cause costly damage.

Expert Tip: When viewing, look for:

• Stains and patches on walls and ceilings: This is a sign of damp.
• Musty smell: This indicates water damage.
• Fresh paint: This could be used to cover up mould!

How much it could cost you: £200 – £400 per room for mould removal, up to £1,200 for the whole house!

6. Blocked Gutters – Don’t Let Water Damage Your Home’s Foundations!

Blocked gutters can cause leaks and damage to your foundations.

Expert Tip: Check for:

• Sagging gutters: This means they are full of debris and water.
• Water running down the walls: This is a sign of blocked gutters.

How much it could cost you: £900 to replace gutters.

7. Trickling Taps – A Leaky Tap Could Mean Big Plumbing Bills!

Leaking pipes and faulty taps can cost you a fortune in repairs.

Expert Tip: Turn on all taps in the kitchen and bathroom. Look for:

• Trickling water: This could be a sign of limescale buildup.
• Inconsistent water pressure: This can mean you need a plumber!

How much it could cost you: £300 – £400 for a plumber to fix a leaky tap.

Don’t Get Caught Out!

Before buying a home, get a surveyor to check for these potential problems.

Expert Tip: When choosing a surveyor:

• Get quotes from multiple surveyors: Don’t just go with your estate agent’s recommendation!
• Choose a surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): This ensures they are qualified and experienced.
• Choose a local surveyor: They will know the area and the types of problems common to local properties.
• Read reviews: Check what other customers have said about their experience.

Buying a home is a big decision. By being aware of these common problems, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare.