Community Check
Assess the local area and infrastructure before committing to a property.
Before committing to any property purchase, use this checklist to assess the local area and infrastructure. Visit the area at different times of day and different days of the week before making a final decision.
Is the road to the property paved and maintained year-round?
Is there a legal right of access to the property from a public road?
Is the road passable in winter snow and ice?
Is the road shared with other properties and who maintains it?
Is the water supply mains connected, private well, or tanker delivery?
Is the electricity supply stable with no frequent outages reported by neighbours?
Is there adequate mobile phone signal?
Is broadband internet available and at what speed?
How far is the nearest grocery shop by car?
How far is the nearest pharmacy by car?
How far is the nearest clinic or hospital by car?
How far is the nearest police station by car?
Is there a post office or bank nearby?
Do people live in the area year-round or is it seasonal?
Are there many abandoned or derelict properties nearby?
Is there street lighting on the road and near the property?
Are there loose or aggressive stray dogs in the area?
Does the area appear well maintained with properties in reasonable condition?
Are there signs of active community life — maintained gardens, parked cars, children?
Is the area quiet during the day?
Is the area quiet at weekends and evenings?
Are there any industrial, agricultural, or tourist noise sources nearby?
Is there any visible flood risk — proximity to rivers, low lying ground, evidence of previous flooding?