A guide to property viewings
How to prepare for your next house or apartment viewing
Searching for the perfect property can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to a bigger space or looking for a change, property viewings are a crucial step on the path to homeownership.
By this stage, you’ve probably been doing your research and found a home on Share to Buy that you think could be right for you. The first step is to register your interest via the property listing and book a viewing.
Attending a property viewing is a key part of the home-buying journey. There’s nothing like seeing a property in person to help you decide whether it’s the right space for you. However, a viewing can also be quite daunting, especially for a first time buyer. It’s easy to be sidetracked by a spacious open-plan layout or a large bay window that lets in plenty of natural light and before you know it, you’ve forgotten all the key questions you were meant to ask.
So, you might be wondering what you should do on property viewing.
Don’t worry – to help keep your home-buying journey on track, we’ve rounded up our top tips and things to look out for when you next go to view a home.
First things first, make sure you go prepared!
Write a list of all the things that are important to you in your new home, whether it be double glazing or parking, integrated kitchen appliances or broadband availability. Going along to a viewing with your own checklist will ensure you don’t forget to check any key aspects of the place you might end up calling home.
What you might find helpful is to also break down the list into your must-haves (the things you aren’t willing to negotiate on) and nice-to-haves (the things you’re willing to go without if you really love the property). While we’re all searching for our dream home, not every property will have everything on your list so it’s good to set expectations ahead of time so it feels less stressful on the day.
Viewing checklists will vary from person to person, but here are some factors you may want to consider:
- How long has the property been on the market for?
- How much is the council tax?
- If the property has current owners, why are they looking to sell?
- If it’s a flat or apartment, how long is left on the lease?
- Is the property well insulated?
- Are there any cracks in walls, or any signs of structural issues?
- How close is the property to shops and other key amenities?
- Who are the neighbours? What are they like?
At the viewing…
Checklist in hand, it’s a good idea to take time in each room.
If you are viewing a new-build home, you’ll need to ask questions: What appliances and finishes are included in the listed price for the property? Who is the management company responsible for the building? Is there a warranty for the property itself and any of the white goods?
If you are viewing a second-hand or resale property, in the kitchen, what condition are the appliances in and is there enough storage space? How long does it take for the hot water to come through in the bathroom? If the current owner’s furniture is in the living room, what kind of condition is the floor in underneath the seating?
Picture yourself living there
One of the most important parts of a property viewing is imagining your life within those four walls. While practical considerations like size, location, and budget are key, connecting emotionally with a property is just as critical to feeling at home.
Take a moment to imagine your daily life in the space. Does the layout suit your lifestyle? Is there enough room for your furniture and future needs? Thinking practically can help to make that final decision.
Trust your instincts
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, so it’s key that you take your time during viewings to make sure you don’t miss anything. Try to take someone along with you to act as a second pair of eyes and ears – they might pick up on things that you miss.
It’s also important to remember that while the facts and figures are important, a lot of the decision will come down to trusting your gut. If you see a house or apartment and aren’t 100% sure, we suggest viewing the property more than once and at different times of the day to get a sense of what it’s like during rush hour or after dark.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away. You’ll know the right space when you see it!
