32 questions you should ALWAYS ask at a property viewing

What should prospective homeowners look out for?

For many, buying a home is the ultimate goal. With the right savings plan, research and, let's face it, luck, getting on the property ladder can be within reach. The best way to prepare for this big step is to arm yourself with knowledge.

So, whether you're a first-time buyer looking to find their perfect starter home or on the hunt for your next fixer-upper project, it pays to ask the right questions and do your due diligence to avoid any unnecessary costs or upsets further down the line.

Read on for the questions all prospective home buyers should be asking during every viewing...

Before the viewing

We all have a mental list of things we want from our new home and things we don't, but during a viewing, excitement and emotions can quickly take over, making us forget everything we've listed as essential.

Instead of getting carried away in the moment, sit down and write a thorough list of must-haves and deal breakers, before you start viewing any properties. This list will help keep you grounded and will remind you what is and isn't negotiable.

Is the loft insulated?

Heat rises, so it goes without saying that an attic with little to no insulation will make for a cold and expensive house to heat. So, if the house you're looking at buying benefits from a loft space, ask about the insulation.

If the space does benefit from insulation, ask when it was installed. Remember, insulating an attic could cost a significant amount of money, so this is a big consideration to bear in mind before signing on the dotted line.

Is the house located in a flood zone?

With climate change an increasing issue, natural disasters and rising sea waters are causing no end of issues for homeowners, in all parts of the world. Before buying anything, you'll want to assess whether the house is located in a flood zone.

If a river or large body of water lies nearby, then the chances are high. It's worth remembering that a home's proximity to a flood zone will increase your insurance policy fees.

How long has the property been on the market?

Depending on where you live in the world, the average time it takes to sell a property will differ greatly. For example, according to Zoopla, in the UK it takes around 25 weeks, from the moment the house is listed to the moment the keys are handed over.

So, if the house you're interested in has been lingering on the market for months, or even years, it might be worth investigating why. Always ask your estate agent how long the house has been for sale and if it has been up for a while, ask them why. Is there something putting buyers off that could cause you a headache once you move in, or make it tricky for you to sell down the line?

How long have the current owners lived there and why are they moving?

Since moving house is considered to be one of the most stressful and expensive things we can do in life, many of us choose to only do it a handful of times. So, if the owner of your prospective home is selling within a few years of moving in, then it might ring alarm bells. For example, perhaps the property is suitable for you now, but how about in a year or two when your household could potentially expand?

Do bear in mind that sometimes a home move has nothing to do with the property itself but a change in circumstances i.e. a relationship break up or a job offer elsewhere. So always ask why the sellers are choosing to move.

How old is the property?

While period properties certainly have their appeal, older homes are not without their problems. Historic heating systems and buildings that haven't been well cared for could prove costly in terms of maintenance or energy efficiency.

Plus, if your property is listed or a designated landmark, you may be restricted in terms of what renovations you can carry out, so it’s worth bearing in mind.

How much are the bills?

You've done your sums and worked out how much you can afford to borrow from your bank, but have you considered other costs? Though a bigger property might be tempting, will you be able to keep up with the utility bills?

How about hidden extras such as ground rent or service charges (particularly relevant for apartments or leasehold properties)? The listing agent should know how much the previous owner spent on household bills, so ask the question.

What are the neighbours like?

You can usually gauge from the reaction of the real estate agent whether the neighbours are nice or a little tricky, and their silence on the subject can be deafening.

Although the current owner may not be in a rush to tell you about a problematic neighbour, if the seller has lodged any formal complaints against them, in the UK, they legally have to tell you if you ask the question. Do your research about your country's regulations and always inquire about any issues.

Is there parking at the property?

If you're a car owner then having parking near the property is probably quite important to you. Even if you don't drive yourself, it's useful to be able to offer parking to visitors, especially if you have elderly parents or rely on help with childcare.

If the house doesn't come with a driveway, ask the real estate agent if there is off-road parking or restrictions nearby and whether permits are needed to help you make an informed choice.

Have there been any recent repairs or refurbishments?

Again, it's useful to find out as much as you can about the property itself. Have there been any recent repairs or refurbishments, such as significant internal renovations, damp proofing or underpinning?

Sometimes, the nature of home renovations can be a cause for concern, but often it means the current owner has saved you a job. If major works have been carried out, make sure the correct permits or permissions were sought and that it has been signed off by a professional to ensure the home's integrity.

What is the property’s energy performance rating?

The energy performance certification (or EPC rating) of a property shows how energy efficient a building is and it's an important consideration.

It will not only help you calculate how costly it will be to heat your home but increasingly, more of us are concerned about the impact our homes have on the environment. A good energy performance rating will help you sleep better at night, both in terms of finances and ethics.

Is anything additional included in the sale?

Don't assume the seller is going to leave big appliances or those gorgeous blinds behind. Some sellers have even been known to take carpets with them when they go, although this happens rarely and is very much frowned upon.

It's important to establish what is staying and what is going early on, so you can budget accordingly. If you've fallen in love with anything specific, it might be worth asking whether the seller is open to leaving it behind for an extra fee.

Are there any current planning applications approved in the local area?

Is there a lovely view from the property? Lucky you, but will it always be there? It's worth asking whether any development plans might affect you, either positively or detrimentally.

A new building could obscure your view and create a lot more noise and disruption, but perhaps an extension of a train line or a shopping centre will benefit you. Either way, it could affect future house prices, so it's good to be informed.

Is there anything else I should know about this property?

When you're coming to the end of your viewing, ask the estate agent if there's anything else you should know about. This puts the onus on them and the current owner to share anything that might be pertinent to the sale. If you don't feel comfortable asking this on a first viewing, wait until you feel you are really keen on a property and ask on a second or third viewing, before you put in an offer.

Of course, there is only so much time to ask questions during a viewing, so while you walk around the property, look out for these other factors that could affect how you feel about the place...

What security features are there?

Look out for security features, both inside and out. For instance, is the front door secure with a double lock? Is there an alarm, a CCTV system or security lights?

You might find it reassuring to see they are there and you won't have to fit them yourself. Then again, you may start to worry about how safe the neighbourhood is if they've really gone to town.

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What type of gas/electricity meter does the property have?

As you wander around, feel free to check the gas and electricity meters – although you may have to ask where they are – as changing from a pre-paid meter to a smart meter can be a bit of a fiddly job.

Also, if the meters are old, this may mean they are not positioned to meet modern standards and moving meters at a later stage is pricier than you might think – according to Checkatrade, Brits could pay up to £700 to move a gas meter and £600 for an electric meter, plus labour.

How old is the boiler?

Is the boiler new or on its last legs? If it's more than 10 years old and no longer under warranty, then there is a real possibility it will have to be updated soon. Old boilers are not only expensive to run and highly inefficient, but they can also be very unreliable come winter.

Plus, in the UK, a new boiler can cost anywhere between £1,200 and £10,000, so you'd need to make sure you could afford to replace it if the current system suddenly breaks down.

What is the accessibility like?

If you have mobility issues or one of your close friends or family does, you might want to look at how accessible the front of the property is. Are there steep steps or are handrails installed to aid balance and support to anyone with additional needs?

Even if no one in your close network needs it now, if this is a home you plan to live in for a long time, you might want to think about it for the future.

What is the surrounding area like?

We all know that the location of a home is one of the most important elements for house hunters. So, when viewing a property, try to visit both during the day and at night to see if there's a different vibe.

If you like the place after viewing at different times of day, it's a good idea to go for a walk nearby and get a feel for the area and whether you would feel at home, and safe, living there.

What state is the property’s exterior in?

As well as inspecting the inside of the property, taking a look outside at the guttering, brickwork and roof tiles will help you see if any areas look a bit neglected and that you might have to fork out to get fixed.

Cracks in external walls could be a sign of subsidence or other structural problems, but even cracked window panes might suggest there could be a bit of a damp problem, so is worth investigating.

Does the property have a private garden?

We can all appreciate the value of having outdoor space and whether you want a garden for the kids to run around in, a small patch to grow vegetables or a place to sit and watch the world go by, if this is on your must-have list, then don't let it slide off.

If the property you're viewing does have a garden, check that it's secure, private or shared, and whether any neighbours require through access.

Do windows have double glazing?

Double glazing is a great way of conserving heat in a home and without it, you may find your heating bills go through the roof. Old, blown double glazing with condensation between the panes isn't great either and you will probably want to update at some point.

If that's the case, give serious thought as to when you could afford to do this.

How much built-in storage is there?

Finding space for everything in your new home can often be the trickiest thing to imagine.

A general rule of thumb, as any homeowner will tell you, is that there is no such thing as too much storage, so look for built-in spaces that will help you keep your home clutter-free and save you from having to buy too much furniture.

Are there enough plug sockets?

We are very much in a digital age and though sometimes it's nice to unplug for an hour or two, in reality, if you don't have enough plug sockets, it will drive you mad.

Check out the power socket allocation as you walk around and, crucially, whether they are in the places you'll need them i.e. either side of the bed or in an office nook. USB sockets can also be really useful and although you can always employ an electrician to add more, it's another financial outlay that would be nice to avoid.

Is there enough natural light?

It's no secret that natural light can have a big impact not only on how our homes look and feel but on our wellbeing, too. Sunlight is the best way to boost happiness and create a calming environment. With this in mind, it's well worth viewing any prospective homes in the daytime to see whether the rooms are gloomy or bright.

Take note of which way the property is facing to work out where the sun will come up and go down, determining which rooms will get the most light and when.

Are there any signs or damp or mould?

Rooms like bathrooms and kitchens are breeding grounds for damp and mould, so look for telltale signs such as black marks or stains on the walls and ceilings. Check whether these rooms are properly insulated and well ventilated.

Both factors can lead to mould growth, which can have a detrimental effect on your health – not to mention your décor!

Are carpets and floors in good condition?

If you've done as we've suggested and checked that the carpets and floors are staying, then the next thing you'll need to assess is what kind of condition they are in.

Clean carpets and solid floors will make everything else feel and look better and if you're not happy with either, then you might want to think about changing them before you move all your furniture in.

What’s the water pressure like?

This might seem a little odd, but when viewing a home, check the taps. Simply turning on a tap in the bathroom or kitchen will give you an idea of the plumbing system and the water pressure in the home.

Low water pressure means a bath tub will take longer to fill up and some modern appliances and showers won't work below certain water pressures. In some cases, low water pressure indicates a leak within the property, too.

Featured tap available from GoodHome brought to you by B&Q.

What is the crime rate in the local area?

Feeling safe going to and from your home, as well as when you are indoors, is crucial to a happy home life, particularly if you're buying on your own or raising a family in the area.

Every country has a website where you can check local crime rates. In the UK, you can search by postcode on the crime rate website. Not only will this – hopefully  put your mind at ease, but it will give you an idea of how easy it will be to sell the home at a later date.

How far is the property from local amenities and transport links?

Local amenities may be a deciding factor for you when buying a property if you aren't familiar with the area already. Is there a doctor's surgery nearby (and are they registering new patients?), a local grocery store for essentials, or will you have to get in the car or jump on public transport every time you run out of milk?

Other amenities that might be essential for you include nurseries, schools and train stations, so research this before you commit to buying.

What’s the internet speed and mobile coverage like?

There's nothing more frustrating than a slow or unpredictable internet connection, especially if you're working from home. So, having a solid Wi-Fi connection and mobile phone reception is a must for most.

Keep your phone on as you view a property, so you can check phone coverage and don't be afraid to ask about the current internet setup. You can even feed the postcode into an internet speed checker, to see if it's up to scratch.

If in doubt, get a second opinion!

Whether you're buying your first home or have been on the property ladder for a while, finding a home can be a daunting task and it's perfectly understandable to need help. Bringing along a trusted friend or family member to view properties with you will help give you an unbiased view.

People who have lots of previous experience buying and selling homes are all too aware of the possible pitfalls, so their help can be priceless. If you see something that concerns you, ask the listing agent or seller if they mind you taking a photo and enlist the help of an expert after the viewing.

No one expects you to know it all and it's better to walk away and get a second opinion, then rush in and end up with a problematic property.