Questions to Ask When Viewing a Property
Buying a house can be a daunting prospect, especially as you are parting with a substantial sum of money, so preparation is key. In-person viewings allow you to find out as much as you can about the property before committing to buy, so dig deep and ask all the important questions - it will help you make your decision. We’ve compiled a list of questions below as a starting point, and included lots that you may not have thought of!
About the property
- Property asking price
- Is there leeway on the asking price? Do they accept offers?
- If the property is yet to be built, what’s the likely finishing date?
- What is the parking like if the property doesn’t have a private driveway?
- Does the property come with flooring?
- Does the garden come landscaped?
- What choices are available in terms of home decor (kitchens, flooring etc)
- Which way does the garden face?
- What standard fixtures and fittings are included in the price?
- What does the new home warranty include and who is it through?
- Who are the energy suppliers?
- Are there any restrictive covenants?
Local area
- Is the area noisy?
- Are there any plans to extend the development?
- Which school are in the catchment area and what are they like?
- Are the transport links good?
- How far is the nearest train station or bus stop?
- Where are the nearest shops?
- Where’s the nearest doctors surgery, dentist and hospital?
- What are the neighbours like?
- Has the area got a crime record?
Costs
- How much is the council tax for the house?
- Is the property lease or freehold?
- If the property is leasehold, how much is the ground rent/service charge?
- Who is the leasehold owned by?
- What do I get with the property? i.e. flooring, appliances
- Are there any discounts or incentives available?
- Do you take part-exchange of an existing property?
Article overview
Buying a home is a major decision, so preparation and asking the right questions during a viewing is essential. Key areas to explore include the property details (asking price flexibility, completion date, included fixtures, and warranties), the local area (noise levels, schools, transport links, and amenities), and costs (council tax, leasehold terms, service charges, and available incentives). Questions about garden orientation, decor options, parking, and future development plans can also provide valuable insight. This comprehensive checklist helps ensure you’re fully informed before making a commitment, especially when buying a new build or off-plan property.
Article overview composed with the help of AI
Disclaimer
newhomesforsale.co.uk is an information platform and not a financial advisor, mortgage broker or mortgage lender. Always get financial advice before making significant decisions about your money, mortgages and buying a house.
Publish date 7th August, 2019
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by newhomesforsale.co.uk
