Assessing a house before purchase

[gonbechan]

termites (check around foundation for little mud paths leading up)
ability to rebuild (check zoning)
whether access will be needed in the future if rebuilding is allowed

[Ibaraki llama]

Yes, definitely the termites.

If it has a septic tank, check the condition.

Also make sure there's an official border. Border can be done but it's expensive - 200,000 plus.

FYI, we've got some quotes on our property repairs.

Expensive
- plumbing - our pipes are thin (13cm) as it's an older rural property, but we can live with it.
- electrics - they need to be changed as they are low amperage and won't be able to run many modern appliances at the same time (I think that's how it works)

Any foundation work due to termites or other problems will be expensive!

Roof repairs cheaper than expected

[Ibaraki llama]

And really my biggest question is, is there some big liability I'm not seeing in taking these cheap on a whim?

Thanks!

What's your backup plan if there is an insurmountable problem with the place you find after you buy?

Ours was to knock the place down and build a new one (not cheap but were prepared to do it if necessary).

Otherwise you could abandon it I guess!

[Ibaraki llama]

I mean placing markers. An official surveyor would need to do it and then register it with the houmukyoku. But it's most likely the properties you're looking already have borders. If land is subdivided they might not, particularly in rural areas where everyone kind of knows whose land is whose. The main problems with not having an official border is that you wouldn't be able to get a mortgage, and then have trouble selling it on in the future.

[Ibaraki llama]

By the way, does one take out home insurance on 'worthless' properties? If they are destroyed in a disaster, will insurance pay out for me to actually get/build a house, or just for the value of the buildings?

I’m not sure, we haven’t got insurance but think we should. I’m more worried about a fire or something at our place that goes on to burn neighbouring properties.

[starting_the_dream]

I'm assuming since you mention parking space that you are at least semi-urban and on city water. But if not, do you know where your water is coming from?

[Ibaraki llama]

That’s a pity, I’m sure there’ll be plenty more that pop up.