Your First Property Viewing: A Simple Checklist

A viewing is often your first real chance to picture yourself in a property. It is also easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to ask the questions that matter. Here is a simple checklist to help you make the most of every viewing, whether you are buying or renting.

Before you go

• Read the full listing, including the floor plan and the BER rating.
• Look up the area: transport links, local shops, schools and parking.
• Write down your must-haves and your nice-to-haves so you can compare properties fairly.
• Visit at a time of day that shows the property at its busiest, such as rush hour or a weekday evening.

At the property

Take your time and look beyond the staging. Check for signs of damp or mould, test taps, windows and light switches, and notice how much natural light each room gets. Open the wardrobes and cupboards, and think about whether your furniture will fit.

Step outside as well. Look at the roof, the gutters and the boundary walls, and take note of the neighbouring properties and the general upkeep of the street.

Questions worth asking

• How long has the property been on the market?
• What is included in the sale or the rent, such as appliances and fittings?
• What are the typical running costs for heating and utilities?
• If it is an apartment, are there management fees and who looks after the common areas?

After the viewing

Make notes straight away while the details are fresh, and take a few photos if the agent allows it. If you are still interested, sleep on it and consider a second viewing at a different time of day. A second look often shows things you missed the first time.

If you would like help finding the right property or arranging viewings, get in touch with the Lett-Duggan team or sign up for property alerts so new listings come straight to your inbox.