Back

What to look out for when viewing a home

Sep 25, 2024
image of a phone camera, glasses, questions and magnifying glass
Buying a property is a big deal. You don't want to rush things, and you need to keep a level head, particularly when the market is moving quickly and you have multiple viewings each week.

You can get a lot of information about a place by searching online and talking to estate agents. But when a possible home makes it through the research stage, you need to see it in person to get a sense of what it offers and how it feels. To help, we've gathered our top property viewing tips and created a useful checklist to ensure you get the most out of a viewing.

Key takeaways 

Prepare a checklist 

• Identify your must-haves and nice-to-haves before starting viewings
 

Plan your budget 

• Consult a mortgage adviser to understand your financial limits
 

Take your time 

• Don’t rush through viewings; allocate enough time to thoroughly inspect the property


Look beyond aesthetics

• Focus on room sizes, layout, storage and natural light rather than just furnishings and decoration
 

Multiple visits

• Visit the property at different times of the day to get a true sense of the area and the home
 

Bring a companion

• Another pair of eyes can help spot things you might miss and provide a different perspective
 

Take photos

• Photos can help you remember details, especially if you’re viewing multiple properties
 

Trust your senses

• Pay attention to signs of damp, structural issues, and the overall condition of the property
 

1. Choose your must-haves and nice-to-haves

illustration of checklist

Before you start viewing places, you should narrow down your needs and wants. For example, do you prefer the idea of living in an older property or a brand-new home? Older places might be characterful, but they can be costly to renovate and maintain. Brand-new homes are designed for modern living and are more energy-efficient, making them a popular option for many buyers.
 
Things like a garden or home office may also be non-negotiable. It can be a good idea to make a list of things you must have and things you’d like to have. And if you’re in a couple, discussing together can be a good use of time – it’s valuable to know what each of you prefers.
 

2. Be realistic about your budget

You also need to work out your budget early in the viewing stage – and stick to it! It can be tempting to overpay for a home that ticks all the boxes. However, keep in mind that you may need to budget for a renovation and that unexpected costs could crop up further down the line. Talking to a mortgage adviser will help you explore your options and nail down what you can realistically afford. 
 

3. Spread out your viewings

When you’re arranging viewings, allow yourself enough time to take a good look around. Try not to book too many viewings in one day, as all the places can blur into one, clouding your judgement. Take pictures, videos and notes where possible to remind yourself of the pros and cons of each property. 
 
If you feel like you need to see the place again before making a decision, don’t be afraid to book a second viewing! Going at different times of day can help you get a better sense of how the property looks and ensures you won’t miss anything important. Similarly, bringing someone else along – a partner, friend or family member – can help you see things with a fresh pair of eyes. 
 

4. Have a good look around

illustration of magnifying glass

 
Estate agents can sometimes make you feel rushed when looking around a place, especially if they have group viewings or back-to-back appointments. But try to take your time and pay close attention to the following:
 
• Signs of damp, like mould or peeling wallpaper
• Windows (new-build UPVC windows keep the heat in better)
• Ventilation
• The state of any drains and guttering
• Any cracks in interior/exterior walls
• Roof damage
 
Don’t be afraid to try the taps, open and close windows, flush the toilets and test the light switches. You should also check the heating or ask about the current system. If you’re looking at a brand-new home, it’ll have an energy-efficient system and effective insulation, but an older property might not. 

5. See the bigger picture

You’ll need to look beyond the current owner’s furnishings and decoration to see a home’s full potential. Ask yourself the following questions:
 
• Are the room sizes big enough? 
• Does the overall layout work for me? 
• Is there enough storage space or room to add more? 
• Is there a good amount of natural light? 
 

6. Ask questions

illustration of questions

Here’s a list of the kind of questions you might want to ask the estate agent at a viewing:
 
• How long has the home been on the market?
• What’s the neighbourhood like?
• How much are the typical utility bills?
• How old is the wiring and central heating?
• Are there any service or management charges?
• Is there car parking available?
• What’s the council tax?
• Has any work been done to the property?
• Which items are included in the sale?
• How fast is the internet access?
• Can I see the Energy Performance Certificate?
 
Of course, if you’re buying a brand-new home from Barratt London, a lot of these questions will have simple answers. For instance:
 
• It’s likely to be a chain-free purchase, which makes life far more straightforward
• The wiring and heating will be new
• There’ll be no worries about previous work carried out
• All our homes are energy-efficient and up to 65% cheaper to run than a Victorian equivalent1
• All come with a 10-year NHBC Buildmark warranty
 

7. Be ready to make an offer

illustration of things to look for when viewing a property

Demand for property in London is high, so if you like somewhere, you might need to act fast. However, don’t make an offer before you’re ready and don’t be tempted to go over your budget.
 
Viewing properties is just one part of the home-buying process. Explore our step-by-step guide to buying a house for more information and advice. 
Browse our new build homes in London and unique offers to help you become a homeowner. 
 
Call or visit our Sales Advisers today to learn more.
 

Related Articles