Property Inspection: The key to buying a second-hand house without risks

Buying a second-hand house can be exciting and the best solution when the buyer's priority is its location, but it's important to keep in mind that the risk involved in this case is greater than when buying a new house from a developer, as any physical defects that may arise will be legally covered for a period ranging from one year to ten, depending on the type of problem.

In Spain, the sale and purchase of property is carried out under the concept of "cuerpo cierto." This means that the buyer accepts the property as it is, with all its defects and faults. On the other hand, if the seller was aware of a problem or defect and did not communicate it before the sale, the buyer could initiate a claim, either through an amicable process or through a judicial procedure. The problem is that the buyer may not always be able to prove that the seller was aware of the hidden defect, and even if that were the case, the process could be lengthy and costly for the buyer. That is why it is essential to carry out a professional inspection before buying a second-hand house. Do not risk having unpleasant surprises after the purchase. Make sure you know the actual condition of the property before making a decision.

In some countries, such as the United States, for example, professional inspection of a home is a fundamental step in the purchase process. It is unthinkable to make a reservation or the equivalent of a down payment without first obtaining the opinion of a specialized inspector who evaluates the structural and habitability conditions of the property. In this regard, Home Inspectors, as they are known in the United States, are governed by standards of practice and an ethical code based on the American Institute of Inspectors, Inc. (A.I.I.) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), which are two important non-profit organizations that seek to promote professionalism and excellence in the practice of home inspection in the United States.

That's why at Valido Home we offer our Property Inspection service in the buying and selling process, carried out by accredited professionals such as architects and certified technical architects. With our inspection service, you will be able to identify potential defects or additional costs of the property and receive a comprehensive report with photos and comments from the professional, as well as a checklist of over 1000 review points. This way, you can determine if the sale price is justified or if there are any possible hidden flaws, which will give you a stronger negotiating position.

How can I request a Property Inspection for the house I want to buy?

You can request a Property Inspection through our website by providing us with the type of property, the address, and the contact details of the property owner or the real estate agent in charge. We will manage the visit with them and prepare a detailed report that we will send you within a maximum of 48 hours from the time of the inspection. Additionally, if you prefer, you can be present during the inspection. You can also have technical advice over the phone or in person with the professional conducting the inspection, which will help you get more information about the property.

On the other hand, if you prefer someone else to handle the entire process in addition to the visual inspection of the property, to avoid other surprises at the urban, legal or fiscal level and to avoid the stress and time loss involved in a buying and selling operation, call us, and we will take care of everything so that you don't have to worry about anything. Don't buy blindly, get to know the house you want to buy before risking your money!