Checklist For House Viewing

Follow our detailed checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything when viewing your potential new home. You can also rest assured you’ll be ready with the right questions for each part of your new home.


The Basics

Take your time. Don’t try to rush around the house and get out as soon as possible; slowly walk around each room to take in any potential issues. 

View during daylight hours, as the lighting will be infinitely better. Don’t forget, you can view a property more than once, and it’s important that you do. For your next viewings, visit at different times of day and in different weather, so you can see how the light sits in each room.

Don’t just look inside the house, look outside and around it, too. What does your view look like? Would you be happy seeing that every day? Is the garden sufficient? Check for loose tiles, cracks in the walls, and look in any outside buildings such as garages or sheds.

Keep a neutral face. Whether you’re excited about the property or not, try not to show your emotions. Any flaws can be used to negotiate the price.

Take lots of pictures. You’ll be able to capture a lot more from different angles compared to the standard images taken for the listing.

Drive around the area at night and on a weekend to get a feel for the place. Do you feel safe? Can you see a future here? Are the amenities you require close enough?

What you should ask

Checklist

You can make a note of the following, or print off the webpage - it’s up to you. We’ve compiled a list of things to note or query about for each space at the property. Please note: you do not have to ask every single question, but it is worthwhile taking them into consideration to see if they may affect you while living in the property.

The entrance(s):

  • Are the doors sturdy and safe? Do they insulate well?

  • Is there an alarm?

  • Does the doorbell work?

  • Is there space for shoes and coats?

Indoor rooms:

  • What is the view like? Can people see it?

  • Are there signs of damp?

  • Does the floor have carpet or floorboards? What condition is it in?

  • What is the décor like?

  • What’s underneath the wallpaper?

  • Do the switches work?

  • Are the electrics safely wired?

  • What condition is the boiler in?

  • What state are any built-in cabinets in?

  • Do the windows work?

  • Is there damage around the window frames?

  • Are there any drafts?

  • If there are any locks, do they work?

  • What’s the phone reception like? Do you get signal in all rooms?

  • Can you see where to connect the broadband and TV?

  • How thin are the walls? Can you hear every little noise?

  • What are the radiators like?

  • Are you going to need to replace anything?

Bathroom:

  • Does the toilet flush easily?

  • Is there a lot of limescale?

  • Is the shower electric?

  • What is the water pressure like?

  • When was the boiler last serviced?

  • What type of heating is there?

  • Are the tiles broken or in need of re-grouting?

  • What is the drainage system like?

  • Is there mould?

  • Is there a good ventilation system in place?

Kitchen:

  • What is the condition of the appliances? Are they in need of replacing?

  • What is the energy label on them?

  • What’s the storage space like?

  • Is the lighting good?

  • Is the plumbing set up efficiently?

Loft and/or basement:

  • What is the condition of the loft?

  • Is it easily accessible?

  • Is the roof insulated?

  • Any signs of rodents in both spaces?

  • Is there any damp or mould?

  • Can you use the spaces for storage?

  • Is there asbestos in the loft?

  • When was the fuse box last checked?

Outside:

  • Where does the garden face?

  • Will some landscaping need to be carried out?

  • Does any potential work that needs doing fit into your budget?

  • What are the conditions of the fences?

  • What does the neighbour’s garden look like?

  • Do you have a parking space?

  • Are there any storage spaces outside e.g. a shed for tools or bikes?

  • Where are the bins kept?

  • If there are any shared walls, what do these look like?

  • How much land do you have?

General questions to ask:

  • What does visitor parking look like?

  • Is it a listed building?

  • Is the property in a conservation area?

  • What’s the EPC rating?

  • Is there public transport?

  • What local amenities are there?

  • Is it a quiet area or does it get noisy?

  • What’s the neighbourhood like?

  • Is it safe for children?

  • Is it a leasehold or freehold?

  • Are there families around, or is it more of a retirement area?