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Home Mortgages The house buying process What to look for when viewing a home

What to look for when viewing a home

Our feelings shape most of the choices we make. They play a huge part when choosing your ideal home, just don’t forget to listen to your head as well as your heart.

Viewings are exciting, so it’s perfectly natural to start imagining your future home life. Make sure you’re also looking carefully at the home as it is now.

Asking yourself these important questions will help keep your mind straight:

  • Does it have everything that you want and really need?

  • Are there enough rooms; a garden; garage or parking?

  • Are the kitchen and bathroom to your taste?

  • If they aren't, do you have more money to refit them?

  • Is there enough room for your things?

  • Is the home in good condition?

  • Are there any signs of damp, damage or rot inside or outside?

  • Will it need refits or repairs?

  • What’s the location like?

  • Is there traffic noise and which direction does the house face?

Asking the seller or estate agent these important questions will also help you make your decision:

  • Why is the property being sold?

  • When is the seller looking to move?

  • Have there been any previous offers?

  • How long has the house been on the market?

  • What is included in the sale?

  • Have any major works taken place?

  • Is it a listed building?

  • How old is the property?

  • How energy efficient is the property?

  • Have any rooms been recently redecorated or refurbished?

  • How old is the boiler?

  • How much is the council tax?

  • How much are utility bills?

  • Is there a service charge for any communal areas?

Building a good relationship with the seller can help when negotiating an offer. Here are some tips: 

  • Be on time.

  • Don’t bring too many people with you.

  • Offer to remove your shoes when you arrive.

  • Ask the seller first if its ok to take pictures.

  • Don’t be over critical of the home in front of the seller.

  • If you need to cancel your viewing, do so as soon as possible.

Next steps

If you’re liking the property and the answers you’re receiving, make sure you look at the property more than once. Perhaps take another person for a different outlook.

If you’re seriously interested, an expert home buyers survey will find any issues you may have missed. It may also provide the information you need to discuss a lower purchase price with the seller.

Download our handy house viewing checklist

Our handy checklist covers everything you need to know and includes comment boxes so you can make notes as you go. If you have any questions about buying your first home, one of our friendly, qualified mortgage advisers will be able to assist. Call us or book an appointment with an adviser.

House Viewing Checklist (PDF, 780kB)

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0345 601 5533

Lines open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm. Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as a call to a standard ‘01’ or ‘02’ landline number, even when calling from a mobile. Contact your provider for more information.

YOUR MORTGAGE WILL BE SECURED ON YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.