Viewing a property is exciting, but it can also be surprisingly easy to miss important details. A bright kitchen or well-styled living room may catch your attention while you forget to check the boiler, windows or even whether your phone has a signal.
Using our property viewing checklist helps you look beyond first impressions and decide whether a home really works for you. Here are the key things to check when viewing a house or flat.
Before You Arrive
Read through the property details again before the viewing and make a note of anything you want to clarify. Think about your must-haves too, such as parking, outdoor space, storage or a particular number of bedrooms.
It can help to bring your phone for notes and photos, a tape measure if you have large furniture, and a list of questions. Always ask before taking photographs or opening cupboards that contain the seller's belongings.
It is also worth checking the property's EPC rating before or during the viewing. This can give you an idea of its current energy efficiency and may highlight areas where improvements could be needed.
What to Check When Viewing a Property
Take your time and look at the property as a whole, rather than focusing only on the décor.
Outside the property: Look at the roof, brickwork, render, windows, guttering and drains. Note any obvious cracks, damaged tiles or areas that appear poorly maintained.
Windows and doors: Check their general condition and whether they open and close properly. Look around window frames for condensation or mould.
Damp and moisture: Watch for staining on walls or ceilings, peeling paint, mould and musty smells. Strong air fresheners may also be worth questioning if they appear to be masking an odour.
Floors and walls: Look for unusual cracks, damage or floors that appear noticeably uneven.
Boiler and heating: Ask how old the boiler is, when it was last serviced and whether there have been any recent problems with the heating.
Water pressure: Ask if you can run a tap and check how quickly hot water comes through. Look around sinks, baths and showers for leaks or water damage.
Kitchen and bathroom: Consider the condition of units, worktops, appliances, sealant and grouting. Check whether there is suitable ventilation, particularly an extractor fan in bathrooms.
Plug sockets: Think about whether there are enough sockets and whether they are positioned where you would actually need them.
Storage: Check wardrobes, built-in cupboards and other storage areas. Storage can be easy to overlook during a quick viewing.
Natural light: Consider how bright each room feels and which way the main rooms and garden face.
Noise: Stop and listen. Can you hear traffic, trains, aircraft, neighbours or nearby businesses?
Mobile and internet: Check your phone signal and ask about broadband availability if reliable internet is important to you.
Garden and parking: Look at privacy, access, boundaries and the condition of any outdoor space. If there is no driveway, check how easy street parking appears to be and whether you would need a parking permit.
Room sizes: Compare the rooms with the floorplan and think about whether your furniture will fit comfortably.
Ask About Alterations and Previous Work
If the property has been extended, converted or significantly altered, ask what work has been carried out and when.
You can also ask whether the relevant planning permission or building approvals were obtained. Your solicitor will make the necessary legal checks later in the buying process, but raising the subject during a viewing can help you understand the property's history.
If you are interested in extending or changing the property yourself, ask whether there have been previous planning applications and consider whether neighbouring homes have made similar alterations.
Viewing a Flat? Check a Few Extra Things
When viewing a flat, look beyond the property itself. Check the condition of hallways, entrances, lifts, gardens and any other communal areas.
You should also ask:
Is the property leasehold or share of freehold?
How many years remain on the lease?
What are the current service charges?
Is ground rent payable?
Are any major works planned for the building?
How is the building managed?
Is parking included with the property?
Major works to communal areas can sometimes result in significant costs for leaseholders, so this is particularly important to clarify before proceeding.
Questions to Ask the Estate Agent
A viewing is also your opportunity to find out more about the sale.
Useful questions include:
Why is the owner selling?
How long has the property been on the market?
Have any offers already been made?
Is the seller part of a property chain?
What is the seller's preferred moving timescale?
Have any major works been completed recently?
Have there been any previous problems with the property?
What fixtures and fittings are included in the sale?
Do not assume items you see during the viewing will remain after completion. Ask what the seller intends to leave, particularly fitted appliances, light fittings, curtains, blinds and garden items.
Check Flood Risk and the Surrounding Area
The street and surrounding area matter just as much as the rooms inside.
Consider transport links, shops, schools, parks and your normal commute. Look at traffic and parking, and think about whether nearby roads, pubs, schools or railway lines could create noise at different times of day.
It is also worth checking whether the property is in an area with a known flood risk. Your conveyancer will carry out searches later in the buying process, but knowing about potential risks early can help you make a more informed decision.
If you really like the property, visit the street again at a different time. An area can feel very different during rush hour, in the evening or at weekends.
Should You Arrange a Second Viewing?
If a property is a serious contender, a second viewing can be very useful. You will usually look at it more objectively once the excitement of the first visit has passed.
Use the second viewing to revisit anything you were unsure about, take measurements and look more closely at practical details. If possible, view at a different time of day so you can compare natural light, traffic, parking and noise.
Make notes immediately after each viewing so different properties do not start to blend together.
Remember that a viewing is not a substitute for a professional property survey. If you decide to buy, an appropriate survey can help identify defects or issues that may not be obvious during a normal viewing.
Looking for a Property in West London?
London Estates helps buyers find homes across Hammersmith, Chiswick, Fulham and the surrounding areas of West London.
Browse our latest properties for sale or speak to our experienced team if you would like help finding your next home.
Written by John Rigg
Source London Estates
