What to Pay Attention to During a Viewing?
Mar 21, 2025
Buying a property is one of the most significant investments you will make. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, viewing a property requires careful attention to detail to ensure you make the right decision.
The most important things when going to a viewing are to assess: how do I feel in this house, and do I want it to be my next home? If you are in love with the place, then our job is to check all the necessary things either from a distance (checking the documents) or during the viewing itself, looking for any "red flags."
If the property is a house, we might strongly recommend conducting a technical inspection to assess its structural integrity and overall condition. We will always analyse it case by case if a technical inspection is necessary or not.
Here are some key aspects to consider when inspecting a potential home or investment property.
1. Location and Neighbourhood
The location of the property is just as important as the home itself. Consider the following:
Proximity to work, schools, and essential amenities like supermarkets and hospitals.
The quality and safety of the neighbourhood.
Public transportation and traffic conditions.
Future development plans in the area that might affect property value.
2. Structural Integrity and Exterior Condition
Look beyond the aesthetics and focus on the overall structure:
Check for visible cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundations.
Look for signs of dampness, mould, or water damage.
Examine the roof for missing shingles, sagging, or leaks.
Inspect the windows and doors for proper sealing, insulation and state of the frames.
3. Interior Layout and Condition
Check the sun exposure in the garden and rooms to ensure they receive adequate natural light throughout the day. Ensure the interior layout meets your needs and that the home is in good condition.
Are the rooms spacious enough for your lifestyle?
Is there enough natural light and ventilation?
Check for any signs of poor maintenance, such as peeling paint or broken fixtures.
Inspect floors for uneven surfaces or squeaking sounds.
4. Plumbing, Electrical, and Heating Systems
Functional utilities are crucial for comfort and safety:
Turn on faucets to check water pressure and look for leaks.
Test light switches and electrical outlets for functionality.
Ask about the age, condition and maintenance of the heating and cooling systems.
Look for exposed wiring or outdated electrical panels.
5. Noise Levels and Privacy
Take a moment to gauge the environment:
Are there any noisy neighbours or traffic sounds?
How much privacy does the home offer from surrounding properties?
Visit at different times of the day to assess noise variations.
6. Storage Space and Parking
Consider your storage and parking needs:
Are there enough closets, cabinets, and storage areas?
If the property has a garage, is it large enough for your needs?
Check the availability of street or designated parking spots.
7. Potential Renovation and Hidden Costs
Factor in additional costs beyond the purchase price:
Will you need to renovate or make major repairs?
Are there any pending maintenance issues that could become costly later?
Research property taxes and homeowners’ association fees, if applicable.
8. Legal and Documentation Checks
Before making an offer, ensure everything is in order:
Verify property ownership and any legal disputes.
Review land boundaries and zoning regulations.
Ensure all necessary permits are in place for any modifications.
Important Questions to Ask During the Viewing
If your agent isn't present during the viewing, it's important to ask key questions yourself to gather as much information as possible. Some useful questions include:
How many viewings are scheduled?
Are you planning to put a bidding deadline?
What is the preference for the delivery date?
What can you tell me about the neighbours?
What are the monthly costs of the homeowners' association (VVE), and are there any major maintenance plans?
What is the property's energy label?
Additionally, if you love the house, try to get the direct contact of the selling agent - the mobile number. This will allow us to communicate directly, ask important questions, and discuss the next steps more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing when viewing a property is how do you feel in it, and do you want to make it your next home? If the answer is yes, then we do our absolute best to secure this property for you. Before doing so, of course, we check all the things mentioned before, contact the selling agent, and gather all the necessary information to assess whether there are any red flags. If the property looks good, then we move forward with the analysis and strategy for the offer.