5 Property Viewing Tips You Need to Know

There’s so much to look out for and remember when you view a property and the whole experience can feel very overwhelming. Given the cost involved, buying a house is not something you want to regret, so to help you avoid making a costly error, we’ve compiled 5 property viewing tips you need to know.

Check the plumbing

Bad plumbing can be the bane of anyone’s life after they move in, so it’s important to give it a once over during a viewing. Run the taps to check the pressure and flush the toilet to make sure they work without any issue. Ask if the pipes are insulated (and not made of lead) and see if the radiators work as needed. Find out where the hot water tank is installed (if in the roof this means it is an old model) and check the condition of the boiler too.

Be Thorough

Buying a property is one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make, so making sure you are thorough during the viewing is important. This includes checking all fixed cupboards, the conditions of the window & door frames; You should even ask to see the loft.’

Ask questions

It’s easy to go with the flow during a house viewing and then later regret not asking the questions you wanted to. Even if you feel a little awkward asking something, it’s important to get the answer you need because you don’t want to make a bad decision and regret it after moving in. Put together a list of questions you’d like to ask before you arrive and keep this to hand as you go round the property, so you don’t forget.

Bring a second opinion

Viewing a property can feel quite pressurised because the good ones tend to come off the market very quickly. So, it’s a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you who can give you a second opinion about the property. Having a second pair of eyes can either verify your feelings or give you pause for thought to reconsider your decision – which you could be very thankful for later on.

Go for a second viewing

Buying a house will be the biggest financial commitment many people will make in their lives, so it’s a decision you need to be completely sure about. It’s always a good idea to see a property you like at least 2 or 3 times so you can see what it looks like at different times of the day and either confirm or change your feelings about buying it. And if you are still not sure about a property after seeing it a few times, then it probably isn’t the right one for you.