Before the House Viewing

Preparation for a house viewing begins before you arrive at the property. Doing your research beforehand can save you valuable time and bring you closer to your dream first home. There are also important tools to bring and questions to prepare, ensuring that every important detail is covered during the viewing.  

Define Your Must Haves 

• Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves ahead of your visit. Consider factors like outdoor space, parking, and proximity to amenities.  
• Determine your budget, including additional costs like solicitor fees, surveys, and stamp duty, to determine whether the property will be affordable ahead of a viewing. 

Research the Local Area 

• Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a sense of traffic, noise levels, and safety. 
• Look online for local amenities that are important to you, such as schools or public transport links. Google Maps and social media will provide you with this information in seconds.  

Invite a Friend or Family Member 

• If you can, take someone with you to your house viewing. Not only is this safer, but it’s always helpful to take someone to share your thoughts with and get a second opinion, especially as a first-time buyer.  

Prepare Your Questions 

• Often buyers feel that asking questions in the presence of a vendor or estate agent during a viewing is daunting. However, it is your right to ask for details to understand everything about the property.  
• Preparing your initial questions in advance relieves this pressure and allows you to attend a viewing, feeling prepared as a first-time buyer. 
• Consider questions like whether there have been any other offers, why are the vendors moving, their timescale, are any items included in the sale, when any extension or refurbishment work has been done on the property, and if copies of planning permission or building regulations are available for these works.  

Key Items to Bring: 

• A notebook and pen for jotting down observations and details such as measurements, property defects, or follow-up questions.  
• A camera or smartphone to take photos with the seller’s permission of specific areas, potential issues, or unique features. 
• A tape measure to gauge room size and whether furniture or appliances will fit. 

What to Look for When Viewing a House

Exterior Checks 

• Roof: Look for missing or damaged tiles and signs of sagging. Roof repairs can be costly.  
• Walls: Assess whether the brickwork, render, or finish is in good nick. Check for cracks, damp stains, or uneven surfaces, which could indicate structural issues.  
• Windows and Doors: Ensure they open and close smoothly and check for signs of rot or condensation. Also, understand whether the windows are single, double, or triple glazed.  
• Soffits and Fascias: Investigate whether soffits and fascias are made of plastic or timber, whether there are any gaps behind them, and any signs of rot to timber boards. 
• Gutters and Drainpipes: Look for leaks, blockages, or damage. 
• Chimney: If applicable, ask whether the chimney is working and what condition it is in, and when it was last swept. Look for any signs of the chimney stack leaning, and loose or cracked brickwork.
• Garden: Check for any large trees close to the building that could cause a hazard, as well as uncovered ponds, pylons or telegraph poles and/or wires that come across the plot.  

Interior Checks 

• Damp and Mould: Be on the lookout for discolored patches, peeling paint, or musty odors. Pay special attention to corners, ceilings, and around windows. Damp can also be identified by touching walls and feeling for cold spots or wetness.  
• Cracks: Look for any major cracks in the walls and ceilings that may indicate structural instability.  
• Plumbing & Heating: Test taps for water pressure and hot water availability, flush toilets and inspect under sinks for leaks. If viewing a home in the colder months, ensure that the heating is on and listen for strange noises.  
• Electrics: Check the condition of sockets, light switches, and the fuse box. Ask when the wiring was last updated. Is everything working? Are there any exposed wires? Also assess how many sockets are in each room and their positioning, gaging whether there is enough for your needs. 
• Fireplaces: Are the fireplaces decorative or in working order? Are there any cracks or blockages? These defects can cause issues such dampness to chimney masonry.
• White Goods: If there are fitted white goods, ask whether these are included and assess their condition. If without, note whether there is sufficient space to bring your own.  
• Space & Layout: See what fitted furniture will be included with the home, such as wardrobes or cupboards. Then, assess the available space for items important to you, like a dining table or sofa.
• Mobile Service: Use your mobile phone to test the phone signal during your house viewing. Apps are available online to test cellular and Wi-Fi signals, too.

After the Viewing: Reflect and Evaluate  

Following a viewing, you should take time to review your notes and photos, discuss your thoughts and feelings with a friend or family member, and ask any additional questions to the estate agent. It is important not to rush the process or feel pressured into making any decisions. It is encouraged to arrange viewings for multiple properties, and second viewings for shortlisted homes that you are really interested in.  

Conclusion  

House viewings are a critical step in your journey as a first-time buyer. By preparing thoroughly, staying observant, and seeking professional advice when needed, you’ll be well on your way to finding your dream home. Use this house viewing checklist as your guide, and don’t hesitate to reach out for expert support every step of the way.

Even if a property appears perfect, a professional survey can help to uncover hidden or potential issues, allowing you to truly understand a home’s condition. A home survey is a small investment that equips you with vital information about a property, offering peace of mind and confidence in your property purchase as a first-time buyer. Other benefits include the ability to plan financially for repairs, avoid unexpected surprises, enhanced understanding of the property, and negotiating your offer if needed. Our team is dedicated to helping first-time buyers navigate the complexities of property purchasing. Our experienced surveyors provide thorough and reliable surveys tailored to your needs.

To find out more about our RICS Home Survey Level 2, RICS Home Survey Level 3, and Watsons Bespoke Survey, read more here or call our team on 0333 220 1234.