A house viewing is your chance to look past fresh paint and clever staging to see how well a home will really fit your life and budget.
Use the guide below as a practical house viewing checklist so you leave no stone unturned, whether you are touring in person or relying on virtual house viewings.
What to Check Outside the Property
- Roof and walls – look for missing or loose tiles, a sagging flat roof, major cracks, damp patches or bulging brickwork.
- Window frames – flaking paint, rotten timber or blown double glazing can hint at bigger bills.
- Gutters, downpipes and chimneys – ensure nothing is blocked, rusty or leaning; chimneys straight suggests stable foundations.
- Garden and outdoor space – is it overlooked by neighbouring properties, dominated by large trees or blessed with a south-facing garden that enjoys the most sun?
- Parking space – confirm any drive, allocated bay or permit zone, and check local restrictions during rush hour.
- Planning history – ask the estate agent about past or pending planning permission applications nearby, especially in a conservation or listed building area.
What to Check Inside the Property
Structure and storage
Look for uneven floors, freshly painted patches that may hide cracks, and ceilings stained by leaks.
Open built-in cupboards, check the loft is accessible and measure wardrobes to be sure there is enough storage for more than just smaller furniture.
Natural light and layout
Visit at different times to judge how much natural light each room gets. South-facing windows grab warmth; north aspects may feel cooler. Note whether rooms suit your current furniture or require creative thinking.
Fixtures, fittings and services
- Taps work? Run hot and cold to judge water pressure and test the boiler fires up.
- Flush all toilets, listen for slow cistern refill and ensure bathrooms have a working extractor fan.
- Switch on lights, count how many power sockets each room has, test light switches and note spare capacity on the consumer unit.
- Confirm fire alarms and burglar alarms have power.
- Check radiators heat evenly and ask for service records on the boiler.
Sights, smells and sounds
Unusual odours can signal damp, blocked drains or pets. Traffic noise, passing trains or barking dogs could disturb sleep, so open windows and just listen.
Safety and Energy Efficiency Checks
- Request the property’s Energy Performance Certificate. A higher rating means lower energy bills and usually better insulation.
- Ask whether walls, lofts and floors are insulated and confirm there are double glazed windows or at least well-sealed frames.
- Inspect the consumer unit date, test RCD buttons and look for recent electrical safety reports.
- For flats, review the service history, sinking fund level and any upcoming works on communal areas.
- Note installed fire alarms, carbon-monoxide monitors and easy-exit locks on doors.
Local Area, Schools and Transport Links
Good public transport links, reliable mobile phone coverage and respected local schools increase long-term value.
Walk the street, try Google Street View, and drive the route at rush hour.
Check the property’s council tax band, parking permits and bin-collection routine.
Ask neighbours about noise levels and community spirit.
Quick Tips for Your House Viewing Checklist
- Take a tape measure for sofas, fridge space and alcoves.
- Carry a small mirror or use your phone to look behind radiators for hidden cracks.
- Test every interior and exterior door: do they stick, squeak or fail to close fully?
- Use your mobile phone to check signal in bedrooms and note dead zones.
- Request a virtual tour recording so you can revisit details later.
Recording Your Property Viewing
Bring a friend for perspective, photograph faults and sketch rough floor plans. Jot down impressions of water pressure, parking arrangements, storage space and any unusual smells so you can compare with other viewing properties later.
After the visit, list follow-up questions on warranties, recent repairs or planning permission for alterations.
Ready to Move From Viewing to Mortgage?
Found a place that feels like your own home? Talk to The Mortgage Pod before you make an offer.
Our advisers compare rates from mainstream banks and specialist lenders, explain costs such as surveys and council tax, and help you secure the right finance for your dream property.
FAQs
Do I have to view a property in daylight?
Daylight highlights damp, cracks and natural light levels. If you can only attend at night, book a second visit during the day or request a virtual tour filmed in good light.
What should I bring to a viewing?
Phone, camera, notebook, tape measure, a copy of this checklist and someone you trust for a second opinion.
How do I test water pressure?
Run kitchen and bathroom taps together, then flush a toilet. A noticeable drop suggests weak pressure or undersized pipes.
Should I worry about a flat roof?
Flat roofs age faster than pitched ones. Ask when the covering was last replaced and look for ponding water or blistered felt.
What if the home is in a conservation area?
Extra rules may limit extensions, window replacements or even paint colours. Check with the local council and review any planning permission documents before committing.
