House viewing checklist

Viewings go quickly and it’s easy to be charmed by a tidy room and miss what matters. Tick off each item as you walk round — your ticks are kept on this device, and you can print or save the whole thing (ticks included) to take with you.

Approaching & outside

• Is the street quiet or busy? Note traffic, parking and noise — ideally visit at different times.
• Roof: any sagging ridge line, slipped or missing tiles, or a newer patch hinting at past repairs?
• Walls: cracks (especially stepped, diagonal cracks near windows or where an extension joins)?
• Damp signs outside: green staining below gutters, blocked or leaking downpipes?
• Which way does the garden face? South-facing gets the most sun through the day.
• Condition of windows and frames — rot on timber, misting between double-glazing panes?
• Is there off-street parking, a garage, or is it permit/on-street only?
• Boundaries and fences — who owns them, are they in good repair?

Damp, walls & ceilings

• Musty smell anywhere — often the first sign of damp before you can see it.
• Fresh paint in odd patches or on just one wall — could be covering a stain.
• Tide marks low on walls (rising damp) or patches high up near ceilings (penetrating damp/leaks).
• Cracks: hairline is usually fine; anything you could fit a coin into deserves a surveyor’s view.
• Mould around windows, in corners, or in the bathroom — ventilation or condensation issue.
• Bouncy or sloping floors upstairs.

Water, heating & electrics

• Run the taps — is water pressure decent, hot water quick to arrive?
• Flush the toilet and check it refills properly.
• Look under sinks and around the bath/shower for leaks or water damage.
• Find the boiler: how old is it, when was it last serviced, is there a record?
• Type of heating (gas central, electric, heat pump) — affects running costs.
• Count plug sockets per room — older homes often have too few.
• Look at the fuse board — modern consumer unit or an old-style box?
• Check the EPC rating (energy efficiency) — lower bands mean higher bills.

Space & storage

• Is there enough storage? Lack of it is a common post-move regret.
• Loft: is it accessible, insulated, partially boarded, or convertible?
• Do your big items (sofa, bed, wardrobes) realistically fit the rooms?
• Kitchen: enough worktop and cupboard space; condition of units and appliances?
• Mobile signal in different rooms — check your own phone.
• Broadband: ask what speed is available (or check Ofcom for the postcode).

The neighbourhood

• Step outside and listen — traffic, trains, flight paths, pubs, schools nearby?
• How do neighbouring properties look — well kept or neglected?
• Where are the nearest shops, GP, schools and transport?
• Any sign of planned development nearby (hoardings, notices on lampposts)?
• Parking pressure in the evening when everyone’s home.

Questions to ask the agent or seller

• Why are the owners selling, and how long have they lived here?
• How long has it been on the market? Has the asking price dropped?
• What’s included in the sale — appliances, carpets, curtains, fittings?
• Freehold or leasehold? If leasehold: years left, ground rent, service charge?
• Any disputes with neighbours, or shared/private access and drains?
• What’s the council tax band, and rough monthly running costs?
• Have there been any major works — extension, rewire, new roof — and is there paperwork?

Frequently asked questions