10 Things to Look for When Viewing a Property

You've found a property online that looks perfect.

The photographs are good, the location looks right and the description has ticked most of your boxes. You book the viewing, walk through the front door and then realise you've got about 30 minutes to decide whether this could actually be your next home.

So, what should you be looking for?

It's easy to concentrate on whether you like the décor or whether you can picture your sofa in the living room. But there are a few practical things worth considering before you get too carried away.

Look beyond the presentation

First impressions matter, but try not to let somebody else's furniture or decorating choices make the decision for you.

Instead, look at the condition of the property itself.

Are there obvious repairs that need doing? Are there cracks, staining or signs of damp? Do the windows and doors appear to be in good condition?

You're not expected to carry out a survey during a viewing, but noticing potential issues can help you ask the right questions later.

How does the layout work?

This is one of the biggest things photographs can't always tell you.

Walk through the property properly and think about how you would actually use it.

Could your furniture fit? Does the kitchen work for the way you live? Is there enough room for a dining table? Could one of the bedrooms double up as a home office?

A property can look fantastic online but have a layout that simply doesn't work for you.

Don't underestimate natural light

Walk into each room and take note of how bright it feels.

Think about which rooms face the front and rear of the property and how much natural light they receive.

If you're viewing during the daytime, opening curtains and blinds can give you a much better idea of what the property feels like naturally.

Storage is more important than you think

It's one of those things buyers often don't think about until they've moved in.

Where will the hoover go? What about bikes, coats, Christmas decorations and everything else you've accumulated over the years?

Have a look at built-in cupboards, loft space, garages, sheds and wardrobes.

Good storage can make a surprisingly big difference to how practical a home feels.

What about outside?

If the property has a garden, don't just look at its size.

Think about whether it's actually usable.

Is it private? Which way does it face? Is there space for a table and chairs? Would it work for children or pets? How much maintenance will it require?

A smaller garden that is well designed and easy to use may be more appealing than a huge garden that requires constant work.

Listen as well as look

It sounds obvious, but take a moment to listen.

Can you hear traffic? Neighbours? Trains? Dogs?

Noise won't necessarily be a problem, but it's worth being aware of your surroundings.

Consider parking

If parking is important to you, establish exactly what is available.

Is there a driveway, garage, allocated space or simply on-street parking?

If you're relying on street parking, it can be useful to visit the area at a different time of day to see how busy it gets.

Look at the location properly

You're not just buying a house.

You're buying everything around it too.

Think about your commute, local shops, schools, parks, public transport and how easy it will be to get where you need to go.

If you don't know the area well, spend some time walking around before making a decision.

Don't rush because you love it

It is completely fine to fall in love with a property.

In fact, that's what everyone hopes will happen.

But if you think you've found "the one", consider a second viewing before committing. Visit at a different time of day, take someone with you and ask the questions you didn't think of during the first visit.

The best question to ask yourself

Forget whether the property is perfect.

Ask yourself:

"Could I actually see myself living here?"

Every home will have compromises. The trick is working out which compromises you're happy to make.

At Holbrook Moran, we encourage buyers to ask as many questions as they need to. Buying a home is a huge decision, and a good viewing should leave you feeling informed — not pressured.