A house viewing is your chance to look beyond the glossy estate agent photographs and assess a property's true condition. Many buyers feel rushed or uncertain about what to check, but going in with a clear checklist can help you spot potential problems before you commit. Here is what to look for, inside and out.
Exterior Checks
Start outside before you even step through the front door. Look at the roof from the street. Are there any missing, cracked, or slipped tiles? Roof repairs can cost thousands of pounds, so visible damage is a significant concern. Check the guttering and downpipes for signs of blockage, sagging, or damage. Overflowing gutters can lead to damp problems inside the property.
Examine the exterior walls carefully. Cracks in the brickwork or render can indicate anything from minor settlement to serious structural movement. Horizontal cracks and diagonal cracks that widen as they go up are more concerning than fine hairline cracks. Look at the pointing between bricks to see if it is crumbling or missing, as repointing a whole house can be a costly job. Check window frames for rot if they are timber, and look for gaps between the frames and the walls that might let in draughts and water.
Walk around the entire property if possible. Check the condition of boundary fences and walls, look at the state of any outbuildings, and assess the garden for drainage issues such as standing water or waterlogged areas. Note the proximity of large trees to the property, as their roots can cause subsidence, particularly on clay soils which are common across much of southern England.
Interior Checks
Inside, be systematic rather than letting the decor distract you. Start by looking for signs of damp, which is one of the most common problems in UK properties. Check for dark patches or staining on walls and ceilings, peeling wallpaper, a musty smell, or white salt deposits on brickwork. Pay particular attention to ground floor walls, around windows, and in corners where walls meet ceilings. Condensation on windows during your visit can indicate poor ventilation.
Test the water pressure by turning on taps in the kitchen and bathroom. Weak pressure can be a sign of ageing pipework or a problem with the supply. Flush the toilet and check how quickly the cistern refills. Look under sinks for any signs of leaks, water damage, or temporary plumbing repairs that might indicate ongoing issues.
Check the electrics as far as you can. Look at the consumer unit, commonly called the fuse box. A modern unit with residual current devices and miniature circuit breakers is a good sign, while an old-fashioned fuse box with rewirable fuses suggests the electrics may need updating. A full rewire of a three-bedroom house can cost several thousand pounds. Note the style and condition of plug sockets and light switches, as very old round-pin sockets or fabric-covered wiring are clear signs of an outdated installation.
Open and close all windows and doors to check they operate smoothly. Stiff or misaligned doors and windows can indicate structural movement. Check that double glazing has not failed by looking for condensation or misting between the panes. Test your mobile phone signal in different rooms, as poor coverage can be a real nuisance and is almost impossible to fix.
Questions to Ask the Estate Agent
Do not be afraid to ask direct questions during the viewing. Find out why the seller is moving and how long the property has been on the market. A property that has been listed for months may indicate an issue or an unrealistic asking price. Ask about the age of the boiler and whether it has been regularly serviced. Boiler replacement typically costs between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds depending on the type. Ask about the council tax band, what the current bills are for utilities, and whether there have been any insurance claims on the property, particularly for flooding or subsidence.
Enquire about parking arrangements, especially in urban areas where on-street parking can be competitive. Ask about the neighbours and whether there have been any disputes or noise complaints. Check whether any work has been done to the property and, if so, whether it was done with the appropriate building regulations sign-off and planning permission.
The Second Viewing
If you are seriously interested, always arrange a second viewing. Try to visit at a different time of day and, ideally, on a different day of the week. A street that seems quiet on a Tuesday morning might be very different during the school run or on a Saturday night. Bring a friend or family member for a fresh pair of eyes, and take photos and measurements if the agent allows it. The second viewing is your opportunity to look more carefully at the details you might have missed while taking in the overall impression during your first visit.