Looking to buy a new home? Aside from obvious faults and flaws, there are some fundamental questions you should ask yourself before you take the plunge. From problem neighbours to potential flood zones, do your research and check off these ptoential pitfalls to avoid when buying a property – or you might live to regret it.

A trickling shower is always disappointing so it's important to test your new home's water pressure and plumbing system. Many aspects affect the water pressure, from how close the property is to the nearest reservoir and the time of day when water is in high demand. Check with your local water authority to find out where your nearest mains supply is and whether the property is above or below it. 

It may not be easy but try to find out about the owners in the surrounding properties to minimise the chances of living next door to people who have opposite lifestyles to you. According to a survey by online property site Zoopla, 16% of homebuyers regret not speaking to future neighbours pre-purchase. Ask the current owners about them, take a look at how they maintain their properties and, if you can, try to meet them in person before you make an offer.

An open fireplace is on many home-buyers wish lists but there are factors you need to check and test before purchase. According to The London Chimney Sweeps: "Ask the seller if the property comes with a valid certificate of sweeping. This should show when the chimney was last swept, inspected and its absence will flag up that the chimney hasn’t been tended to by a professional in some time." Arrange to have the property surveyed by a dedicated chimney expert before making an offer. This will give you the chance to renegotiate with the seller, should any problems be found.

Beautiful large trees in your garden may seem idyllic, but they can come with a host of problems. Unnoticed rot issues can cause harm to your property as well as yourself, and roots can cause damage to structures, pipes and utility lines. And don't think you can just cut down the tree at a later date. Some trees in the UK are legally protected, meaning you will need the council's permission to fell or prune them. A solicitor's local search should show if there are any Tree Preservation Orders in place. Then there's the maintenance to consider and the fact that trees can also block out much-needed sunlight.

A property that requires a restoration overhaul my seem like a bargain but it is cheap for that reason! Step back and consider the hidden costs (then double it), risks, timescale (double that, too) and frame of mind you may need to take on a development project. If refurbishment is what you are looking for then the end result will be thrilling. But, if you can't imagine living in a construction site with dust and workmen around all hours, then perhaps it's time to look for a more livable property. 

Is the idea of a beach house or clifftop cottage your dream scenario? If that cliff starts to crumble you are more likely to end up in a nightmare. If you can't pull yourself away from that coastal retreat contact a specialist structural and environmental engineer and do your research. The USGS (US) has information, data and maps to help coastal communities prepare, while Environment Agency offers similar in the UK.

Some buyers take a heated home as a given but there are lots of points to check; is the house connected to the mains gas network (most city and urban properties are)? If it's a rural property, what fuel is used; oil, gas or electricity? If you are eco-minded what are the renewable options? Then, there is the matter of the boiler type, age and quality: a new one can cost thousands especially if it needs to be relocated. Also, check how well insulated the house is as that can also save future expenses. 

Take a look at the condition of the doors, windows and frames. Crumbling and deteriorating glazing and surrounds can affect energy efficiency and security. Old fashioned or rotting frames can bring all sorts of problems such as mould, leaks and pests. Lack of light can also make the house seem small and dark. If you think they may need replacing, you may want to use this to negotiate on the sale price.

Okay, so the probability of your home disappearing down a large sinkhole is slim. However, subsidence is a property subject you should take seriously. It occurs when the ground underneath a house begins to collapse and affects homes with shallow foundations. Signs to look out for are wall cracks more than 0.5mm wide, sloping floors, disjointed window frames and skirting boards with large gaps. 

If you are planning to start a family, be sure to check out the schools in the area surrounding the new house. Find and research nearby nurseries, primary, secondary and high-schools. Then, contact them to discuss admission requirements and catchment areas. 

Mould and damp may be lurking away in hidden spots so be sure to look closely in corners, cupboards (if you are allowed) and around skirting boards. Giveaway signs may be musty odours, flaking walls, watermark stains and black spots. 

Moving to an unfamiliar part of the country? Then it's important to research the weather patterns. If you are house-hunting in tornado zones, earthquake regions or flood risk areas, look out for features that are likely to weather a direct hit and that can act as a shelter should the worst occur. Good foundations, concrete or steel structures and homes that meet or exceed the 2912 International Residential Codes (US) are positives to look for. You may even wish to look out for a hurricane-proof home.

Is that new home you want to buy surrounded by rolling fields and stunning views? Find out who those lush fields belong to and if there is any chance of them selling it off to a construction company in the distant future. The same goes for neighbours who have room for a kitchen extension that could cast a shadow on your light-filled rooms. Check out your council's planning application pages for any unpleasant proposals.

If you buy a flat or apartment, chances are this will be leasehold. The lease governs the rights and liabilities between you (the lease holder) and the landlord of the building (the freeholder). It covers matters such as ground rent, repairs and service charges. Be aware of two main issues. First, how long is the existing lease? If the term drops below 80 years many legal issues apply such as costly extensions, solicitors fees and the property value can drop dramatically. Secondly, service charges and building maintenance that you will be legally bound to pay for can be expensive. 

As with buying a leasehold property, a new-build plot on an estate or house within a gated community is likely to incur yearly maintenance fees for the upkeep of surrounding green areas and roads. If you are already stretching your budget, be sure to view a copy of the maintenance contract before you make an offer. 

Garden pests such as woodworm, rats, mice, moths even moles can cause extensive damage to a home which will put a dent in your wallet and a premium on your home insurance. Telltale signs to look for are moth-eaten carpets in corners of rooms, bald spots on lawns, pinholes in woodwork and worst-case scenario – rodent droppings!

Old wiring is dangerous and re-wiring a whole house with new electrics is a huge and expensive task. Revealing signs of maturity can be indicated on the state of the fuse board and age of the sockets. Also, count the power socket points: with today's tech-driven world are there enough in each room?

If you have a property to sell and are looking for pastures new as soon as your offer is accepted you will become part of a property chain. Many frustrated home buyers and sellers will tell you these chains can easily break if one buyer pulls out, which can create a domino effect. Although you can't stop a chain from breaking, you can make sure your link is strong by having a mortgage agreed in principle and being as honest and organised as possible. Alternatively, look for a property that is selling 'chain free'.

If the property is situated close to an idyllic lake or picturesque river think hard about flooding risks. Building and contents insurance in flood zones is hard to find and expensive, especially if the property has flooded before. This can also hinder your chances of getting a mortgage.

The roof is a vital part of the home that protects from the elements, yet so many of us fail to look up when viewing a property. Check for loose tiles, moss growth, blocked guttering and ripped flat roof felt. The average cost of a new roof starts in the thousands and can only go up from there.

Japanese knotweed is a pesky plant that is taking over gardens in the Western Hemisphere at a crazy rate. It will need professionals to remove it with harsh chemical over a long period. It is such a threat to residential property foundations it can affect chances of securing a mortgage. Look for heart-shaped leaves and green stalks that resemble regular bamboo cane. 

Now that working from home is the 'new normal', check for good internet connection and network coverage. Do a broadband speed check online for the area and contact the main providers for streaming costs. Ask the owner about their current Wi-Fi setup and why not take your tech with you on a second viewing and ask to double-check?

If the proposed property doesn't have off-street parking, find out about traffic flow and parking permit applications in the area not just for you but for friends and family visits too. Other options could be building a garage which will add value to your home or installing an electric car charging point will add desirability if you want to sell later.

Read more: The most jaw-dropping home features that money can buy