Viewing a House Checklist for First-Time Buyers

Before the viewing

• Check the asking price against similar nearby listings and recent sold prices.
• Read the Energy Performance Certificate if it is available.
• Look at transport, flood information, local planning and amenities that matter to you.
• Write down your must-haves, nice-to-haves and deal-breakers.

At the property

• Look for signs of damp, cracks, leaks, poor ventilation or recent patch repairs.
• Check water pressure, window condition, storage and mobile signal.
• Ask about the boiler, electrics, roof, insulation and any recent work.
• Notice noise, traffic, natural light and privacy.
• For flats, ask about the lease length, service charge, ground rent where applicable and planned major works.

Questions for the estate agent

• How long has the property been on the market?
• Have any previous sales fallen through?
• Is there an onward chain?
• What is included in the sale?
• Is the property freehold, leasehold or another tenure?

After the viewing

Score each home against the same criteria while the details are fresh. If you remain interested, consider a second viewing at a different time of day. A professional survey can then investigate condition in more depth after an offer is accepted.