The ultimate house viewing checklist for every home buyer

By Alfie Edge

Viewing a house is one of the most exciting events in the home-buying process, and while it’s easy to become smitten with possibility, it’s important to have a house viewing checklist at hand to ensure that the property is right for you and free of unwanted surprises.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer in need of a basic house viewing checklist, or a home mover looking to refresh your memory and conduct a more thorough inspection at a second house viewing, these tips will provide everything you need to know going through the door.

Your house viewing checklist

Regardless of the type of home you’re viewing, where the property is, and your own situation and requirements, here are the considerations you should always make during your visit:

Location – The difference between a house and a ‘forever home’ can often come down to its location. Make time to explore the surrounding neighbourhood to ensure it appeals to you and has the amenities you need, including local shops and services, connections to major roads, and public transport options as required.

Space – You hopefully have an idea in mind of how many bedrooms you need, but there are other considerations when it comes to space; do you need a lot of storage, therefore is a garage or loft required? Do you need a room or dedicated area in which to work from home? If you have children, is there enough room for them as they grow, both inside and out?

Structure – It’s vital to have an understanding of how structurally sound a property is, so you can be prepared for any renovations you may need to undertake. While major issues should be detected in your optional home buyer’s survey, it’s good practise to keep an eye out for signs of damage to the walls, or areas of sunken flooring.

Noise – While much of this is down to location, it’s worth taking a moment to stand during your house viewing and listen out for any neighbourhood noise. If you’re buying a home with nearby residents, try asking what to expect from your neighbours, too, and if you’re visiting the property more than once try to vary the day and time of your appointments so you can see how the noise levels change.

Big jobs – Try to get an idea of any major updates that the property might need, such as to the plumbing and wiring, flooring, windows, or the roof. These could become expensive jobs that eat up the budget that you had for your home move.

Non-negotiables – Once you’ve seen a few homes online or in person, consider what it is that wasn’t right in those properties and build up a list of things you are unlikely to compromise on in your perfect property, such as open-plan space, garden size, parking, and required renovations. This will help you to refine your home search, or put together a checklist for a second house viewing.

Tips on what to ask and look for when viewing a pre-owned property

You will be accompanied when viewing an existing, pre-owned property, whether by the current owners, or a representative estate agent. It’s important to use this company to your advantage by having a list of questions to ask on a viewing at an older home, which should include:

Are there any existing issues in the property to be aware of? – If the current owners are conscious of any larger problems within the house they need to be declared, so ask directly whether there is anything you need to know.

How long has the house been listed on the market for? – It’s worth knowing whether a home has been on the market for a long time, and if there’s been interest, or a reduction in the price. These factors can indicate whether the valuation of the home is correct and raise questions around why the property hasn't been right for others, plus it should give a clearer picture of where you stand in negotiations.

Why are the current owners selling the property? – While the sellers are unlikely to spill any truths like ‘the next-door neighbours have formed a metal band’, discovering the reason for relocation can bring some comfort that it’s not a fault with the property. Plus, certain circumstances – such as the home being too small for the family – can give valuable insight to apply to your own lifestyle situation.

Is the property freehold or leasehold? – It’s important to know the exact details of your purchase, including financial considerations such as whether there will be ground rent to pay on an existing leasehold property. Other costs should be explored too, including service fees or estate management fees, or maintenance costs for communal spaces.

What other similar properties can you show me? – If a home ticks all (or most) of your boxes, it’s a useful exercise to challenge the agent to find other homes fitting the same criteria, either giving you a decision to make or solidifying your attraction to the first property.

Key questions to ask when viewing a new-build house or flat

If you’re considering a new-build home as your next property, you may be purchasing off-plan – meaning before the house is built – or a completed plot that is ready to move into. Viewing a new build property itself may be subject to its build stage, however there are some useful questions to ask your sales advisor before you make a final decision to reserve:

When will the home be ready? – While you may not be given an exact date, getting an idea of when the home will be complete will help you to manage logistics and expectations throughout the buying process. A reputable housebuilder will provide you with regular updates, so you are able to plan your move with as little stress and disruption as possible.

Can I see a showhome? – If you have your heart set on a particular new build house style, it can be difficult to envision how it will work for you and your lifestyle without exploring it in person. Your sales advisor will be able to inform you of where you can find a showhome of your preferred house style, or house styles with similar features, that help to bring the property to life for you and assist you in choosing your perfect home.

Can I personalise my new-build home? – When reserving your new-build home, you may have a number of options to add your personal touches to the interior, such as a selection of flooring, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom tiling, plus premium upgrades that incur an additional cost. The options available to you are subject to the individual development, and the build stage of your plot, so speak to your sales advisor for full details of what is on offer.

Is the property energy efficient? – Brand-new homes from housebuilders such as Bellway are constructed using innovative and contemporary techniques and materials, meaning they are significantly more energy efficient than typical older homes, saving you money on your utility bills from the day you move in. Your sales advisor will explain all of the energy efficient features of your new home, and provide you with details of future-focused technologies that are installed, which may include electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, and smart heating thermostats.

What are the financial benefits of buying new? – As well as lower energy bills, another key benefit of buying a new build home is that they require no expensive renovations, and minimal maintenance for at least the first few years. Plus, your home will be complete with brand-new appliances, and a 10-year warranty and insurance protection for your peace of mind. There are also a range of buying schemes and incentives available to make your new-build home more affordable, whether you are a first-time buyer or moving on to your next property.

Are there good local amenities nearby? – New home developments should integrate into existing communities, as well as helping to form new ones. The locations for Bellway developments are carefully chosen to ensure proximity to established road networks, public transport access, and useful local amenities including schools and shops. Your sales advisor can inform you of what is on offer in the surrounding area, as well as any features that will be built as part of the development such as shared green spaces and play areas, or even new schools.

10 things to check when viewing a property

At a glance, here are the 10 key things to remember to check when viewing a property, either as a first-time buyer or a home mover. If you can tick each of these off, you should leave your viewing with all the facts you need to make your decision.

Location: Evaluate the neighbourhood for amenities, transport options, road links, and overall appeal.
Space: Consider the number of bedrooms, storage needs, and suitability for family requirements.
Non-negotiables: Identify the features you aren’t willing to compromise on to streamline your search.
Structural integrity: Look for signs of damage, like cracks or sunken floors, which may indicate structural issues.
Noise: Pay attention to noise from the surroundings and ask about soundproofing or neighbour habits.
Major repairs: Check the condition of plumbing, wiring, windows, flooring, and the roof to anticipate future repair costs.
Similar homes: Challenge the agent to find homes nearby matching your criteria to compare price and space.
Market history: Find out how long the property has been on the market and if the asking price has changed, which can inform your negotiation strategy.
Energy efficiency: Find out what the energy rating of the home is to anticipate what your energy bills may be like; with energy-efficient new builds, this will generally be lower.
Customisation options: For new build homes, check the possibility of customising finishes or layouts to help personalise your space before even getting the keys.

To find your nearest development of new-build homes by an HBF 5 star housebuilder, visit the Bellway website. For advice to support your new home journey, discover 20 tips to help you save for a mortgage deposit as a first-time buyer, read about what happens on completion day, and understand some of the most confusing house-buying terminology you’ll encounter along the process.