1. First and foremost, you will need to assess whether or not the property needs any work doing to it - particularly if you are buying an older property. You need to assess what exactly might need to be done immediately and what may be required at some stage in the future - that is if you are buying the home to live in rather than to renovate and sell on. You may need to get some estimates undertaken so that you can be sure of the costs involved before you start to haggle over the price of the property.

2. Is the property a listed building or located in a conservation area? Both of which will have an impact on what you are able to do to the property. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on this and should either (or both) apply, do some research to find out what this actually means. Similarly, if there are any special covenants or rights associated with the property. Again, if so, they may restrict any changes you have planned and if they are particularly awkward, affect any future resale value.

3. Find out from the vendor or their solicitor, exactly what is included in the sale. Things like carpets, curtains, fixtures and fittings are automatically included with the property but if you want to buy them most sensible vendors will come to some arrangement on what to leave for you and as what price. Don't assume that anything other that the fabric of the property itself is included.

4. Make an assessment of whether or not the rooms are big enough to suit your requirements and furniture. Clearly, if your four poster bed isn't going to squeeze into the master bedroom, then this alone is no reason not to buy, but you need to establish what furniture you are going to have to go out and purchase when you move in and what stuff you already have will fit. The more thorough you can be with this, the easier your eventual move in may be because you'll already know exactly what goes where. Go armed with a tape measure and an idea of the dimensions of your main pieces of furniture (perhaps on the 2nd viewing).

5. Find out if the property has central heating and if so what kind. Ask the vendor about recent heating bills in order that you know what to expect when you move in. Also ask about when the system was last serviced.

6. Go up into the loft and take a look. Firstly, this will reveal if there are any defects with the roof and you'll see if the property has loft insulation. Its a good idea to carry a torch with you on viewings for this purpose since not everyone has electric light in their attic.

7. Are there any signs of subsidence or other structural damage. Some may be obvious but play particular attention to any cracks in the walls and make sure all the doors and windows open and close properly. If they don't, this may indicate that there has been some movement in the property.

8. Get your sniffer going and look for any signs of damp. You can usually smell if this is the case. Be aware of any walls that have been redecorated recently, they may be hiding something untoward. Look for watermarks on walls and ceilings. If possible, try and 'follow' the damp to a probable cause. If you are able to, check gutterings outside to see if there are any blockages.

9. Ask the vendor about recent electricity, water and gas bills. You should also know how much Council tax is payable.

10. Ask the vendor what their reasons for moving are. They may of course, not tell the truth, but you never know. Clearly anything such as neighbourhood disputes, noise pollution, crime, parking problems should raise alarm bells and you may wish to investigate further.

For more information on this topic, please visit the site store to order your SIGNED copy of Martin's book, 'Teach Yourself: Making Money From Property' available for just £9.99 plus P+P.

Alternatively join me and my team on one of my Special 3 day Property Training Weekends, when we'll teach you what you need to know to become successful as a property investor or developer - and help you avoid costly mistakes.