Don't Let Excitement Cloud Your Judgement
Falling in love with a property is easy. Spotting the issues that could cost you thousands after you've signed on the dotted line is harder — especially when you're a first-time buyer viewing a home under time pressure. Going in with a structured checklist helps you stay objective and ask the right questions.
This guide covers what to look for on a viewing, what questions to ask the agent, and when to bring in a professional surveyor.
Outside the Property
Start your inspection before you even step through the door. Walk around the exterior and note:
- Roof condition: Missing or damaged tiles, sagging ridgeline, or moss build-up can signal serious issues
- Guttering and downpipes: Blocked or broken gutters lead to damp penetration
- Walls: Look for cracks — hairline cracks are usually cosmetic, but wide, diagonal, or stair-step cracks can indicate subsidence
- Pointing and brickwork: Crumbling mortar lets in water
- Windows and frames: Signs of rot, condensation between panes, or poor seals
- Drainage: Are there signs of pooling water or poor grading around the foundations?
Inside: Room by Room
Kitchen and Bathroom
- Check under sinks for signs of water damage, staining, or active leaks
- Run the taps — assess water pressure and how quickly hot water arrives
- Check grouting and silicone around baths, showers, and tiles for mould or gaps
- Look at the condition of extractor fans — signs of poor ventilation often mean damp issues
Walls, Ceilings, and Floors
- Look for damp patches, tide marks, or bubbling paint — especially on ground floor exterior walls and around chimney breasts
- Walk across floors: squeaking or bouncing floorboards may indicate rot or structural issues beneath
- Check ceilings for water stains, which could point to roof or plumbing leaks above
Electrics and Heating
- Locate the fuse box — old fuse wire systems or heavily taped wiring is a red flag
- Check the age and service history of the boiler (ask the agent)
- Test light switches and plug sockets in each room
- Ask when the heating system was last serviced and if there are any warranties on recent work
Key Questions to Ask the Agent
- How long has the property been on the market — and has the price been reduced?
- Why are the owners selling?
- Have there been any structural repairs, roof work, or damp treatment?
- What's included in the sale (fixtures, fittings, appliances)?
- Are there any known issues with planning permission or building work?
- What are the average utility costs?
- Has the property ever flooded, or is it in a flood risk zone?
When to Get a Survey
A viewing is not a substitute for a professional survey. Once your offer is accepted, commissioning a survey is one of the most important steps you can take. The main options are:
| Survey Type | What It Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Condition Report | Basic overview, major issues only | New builds or very recently built homes |
| HomeBuyer Report | More detailed, flags urgent defects | Standard properties in reasonable condition |
| Full Structural Survey | Comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas | Older, larger, or unusual properties |
If a survey reveals significant issues, use the findings to renegotiate the price or ask the seller to carry out repairs before completion.
Trust Your Gut — But Verify Everything
A good home should feel right — but it should also check out on paper. Taking a methodical approach to viewings, asking the hard questions, and investing in a professional survey will give you confidence that you're making a sound decision, not just an emotional one.