IF YOU think you have found your dream home, look closely past the spacious garden and trendy kitchen to make sure there are no gremlins which are likely to cost you time and money once the sale has gone through, says Halifax estate agent.

The agent has some advice on what to look for and ask about before agreeing a sale.

There may be some issues you can detect without having to ask about outright. Cracks in walls can be a sign of subsistence, whilst an unpleasant smell and peeling wallpaper is a good indication of damp. Ask if there is a damp proofing certificate for the property. If there isn't and proofing needs to be carried out, try to negotiate this as part of the price.

Older properties tend to have great character but they also have potential issues. There could be some maintenance work to carry out or they could cost more to heat, so be sure to ask about these. If you are keen, consider having a full survey carried out.

Damaged electrical equipment such as faulty sockets or wiring can create a risk of injury from electric shock, burns or fire. Never assume your property survey covers electrics. Ask for an electrical survey to be carried out by an approved National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) contractor. The cost of a typical electrical survey is around £100, whereas it could cost up to £4,000 to re-wire a house.

Jane Livermore, head of Halifax Bexleyheath, said: "After countless evenings and weekends spent looking round other people's houses, it is easy to become carried away once we find a place we really like. Taking time to find out about the small, sometimes boring details like central heating systems and council tax bands can pay dividends in the long term.

"Many vendors put a lot of effort into preparing their home for presentation to potential buyers as they know it will help with a smooth and speedy sale. However, it always pays to be thorough in your own research."