Doing my first house viewing tomorrow

paulj2021

I’m doing my first viewing tomorrow of a house to possibly purchase. It’s been 20+ years since I last moved so my house hunting skills are probably a bit rusty... Any useful hints and tips of things to look for? The owner won’t be there just the EA 
thanks!

kasqueak

Lots of helpful advice here:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/house-buying-guide/

Section 14 has some great questions to ask. 

A lot depends on how old the house is etc. 

For me when I bought somewhere last year I wanted to check things like condition/age of the boiler and radiators. Condition of the windows and doors. What the access was like to the back garden. Try to nosey what the neighbours are like. Checking for obvious signs of damp or major jobs to be done. 

Also some ‘silly’ things like where would you put the wheelie bins! 

Good luck!

musehead

Checking out the neighbours / the neighbouring houses must be one of the most important things, especially if they are close. It's one thing that you can't do anything about once you've moved there! 

MIN2_2

You should try to get a feel for how well an owner has maintained their house, and also think about issues which could be difficult or expensive to remedy, e.g.

• Turn on the taps to check water pressure.
• Take a look at the boiler to gauge how old it is/ how well maintained.
• Look out for evidence of any leaks/water ingress on ceilings. 
• You can often smell damp before you can see it (vendors often hide this behind furniture).
• Examine how many electric sockets there are in key rooms and whether in convenient locations.
• Externally look out for any significant cracks, especially radiating from doors/windows.
• Consider the neighbouring properties - are they well maintained by owner occupiers, or is the house surrounded by HMOs or potential problem neighbours?

etc. etc.

MaryNB

Walk around the area a bit before or after the viewing, and again during rush hour if it's in a busy location.

thriftytracey

We are in a similar position - have been in our current property for 25 years.  We have only done 4 viewingsWhat pees me off about viewings is 15 minute slots.  One of the biggest financial decisions you make in your life and you get 15 minutes!   Some EA allow 30 minute viewings.

Another peeve - EA can't show you the garage because they did not have the key.  In that viewing we were thinking of offering and the lack of space and storage made us think about converting part of the garage into a utility area. 
Third peeve is a viewing where th so far and what I have learned so far below:-

The estate agent, an elderly man, just never stopped talking!  It is really important to view and analyse the space but having to make small talk with an estate agent is so distracting. 

I take my camera now and use it if the property seems like a possible.

Research beforehand to check for any new developments which would affect the view, traffic etc. 

Although you are not allowed to touch anything don't be afraid to ask the EA to open a cupboard or door (they wear gloves) and its not being nosy - its to check if there is a dishwasher, look at boiler, additional storage etc. 

Look at Street View, Satellite View, Map etc beforehand if it is an area you are not familiar with.  We are viewing a property on Saturday in Devon and there are some weird looking buildings and what looks like a large car park next to the property.  I've got a feeling its for a school nearby.  That would put me off bigtime.  We currently live near a school and all the cars park up our road and on the junction and the next lane, blocking access and making driving dangerous during those times.  OK its only twice a day but fairly irritating.  Ditto pubs - noise, drunkenness etc. 

Look at access to road from driveway - difficult turn, blind bend etc.

Avoid "Offers in Excess of" - although our forthcoming viewing is one of those ...

Finally be prepared to be disappointed!  Especially after viewing the photographs in the EA particulars showing the large rooms and garden!


Good luck!

Silvertabby

In addition to the above, make a list of things that you absolutely can't/won't compromise on.

For example, our own list was:

MUST have:

Separate utility room (cat litter tray for the use of)

Off road parking for 2 cars

MUST NOT have:

Stairs from the living area

Cloakroom next to the front door. 

Yes, we achieved our must haves and must not haves, with a little compromise in other areas.  And we are still here nearly 30 years later, although I'm sure that wouldn't be the case if we had compromised the must and must nots! 

fiveacre

Try to focus on the things you can't easily find out online later. For example - how's the background noise, what you can see from the windows, what blocks the sunlight, is the garden overlooked? 

Things like boiler and electrics etc. are important, but they can be checked later down the line if you miss them. For a first viewing, I would worry less about having a fixed checklist, and more about how you feel about the house and the area. In particular, can you imagine how you would use each room? The space might be great, but does it fit in with your lifestyle and needs?

Scotbot

Absolutely agree with thriftytracey about checking cupboards, they can hide a multitude of sins. Also agree on taking photos, 20 years ago that would  have been a bit odd but now with smartphones it's a cinch.
Check condition of carpets and ceilings!
Feel is important but personally I would have a list and tick or score your essentials as you view them, it is easy to forget stuff. Of course if you walk in and it's an obvious no then don't bother

Keswick1uk

MaryNB said:

Walk around the area a bit before or after the viewing, and again during rush hour if it's in a busy location.

Evenings and weekends to check out parking and people leaving cars on the road making it difficult to navigate.