Ten questions to ask at a property viewing

Property viewing checklist: questions to ask before making an offer

Buying a property can be exciting, but a viewing isn't just about deciding whether you like the house. It's also your opportunity to gather as much information as possible and uncover anything that could influence your decision to buy.

In just one viewing, you'll need to assess the property itself, understand the seller's circumstances and identify any potential issues that may not be immediately obvious. While estate agents can answer some questions, current homeowners can often provide valuable insight into everything from recent renovation work to what it's really like to live in the area.

Before attending a viewing, it's worth reviewing the property listing and noting any information that could affect your decision, such as the property's tenure, running costs and energy efficiency.

To help you make the most of your viewing, we've listed ten important questions that can help you fill in any gaps and make a more informed decision before making an offer:

Before your viewing, why not download our handy property viewing checklist? You can print it out and take it with you to make sure you don't forget any important questions on the day.

1) How long has the property been on the market?

One of the first questions you should ask at a property viewing is how long the property has been on the market. The answer can help you understand how quickly you need to act and how much room there could be for negotiation.

If a property has only recently been listed and is attracting a lot of interest, the seller may be less willing to accept a lower offer. On the other hand, a home that has been on the market for several months may suggest there is more flexibility on price or that previous buyers have been hesitant to proceed.

It’s also worth asking if the sellers have received any offers. While estate agents might not disclose the exact amounts of these offers, they may be able to indicate the level of interest in the property and whether other buyers are actively competing. Understanding the existing offers can significantly inform your own, allowing you to strategically position your bid.

Knowing how long a property has been on the market won’t necessarily tell you whether it’s the right home for you, but it can help you make a more informed decision before taking the next step.

2) How long have you lived here and why are you moving?

Many avoid asking this question because they worry it may seem too personal. However, most sellers will have very reasonable explanation, such as needing more space, relocating for work or downsizing after their children have moved out. However, if your sellers haven’t lived there very long or give an unclear or generic answer about why they want to move so soon, this may raise some alarm bells.

Understanding the seller’s reasons for moving can provide useful context about the property and the local area. For example, if they’ve happily lived there for many years, it could be a positive sign that the home has suited their needs well. Equally, if they’re moving shortly after purchasing the property, it’s worth politely asking a few follow-up questions to understand why.

It’s also helpful to know whether the sellers are keen to move quickly. If they’ve already made plans to relocate or have committed to another purchase, it can give you a better idea of their timescales and help set realistic expectations for the buying process.

3) What work has been undertaken on the home?

Asking what work has been carried out on the property can help you understand its condition, identify any potential issues and spot improvements that may add value. Older properties, for example, can carry specific issues such as structural problems or rot which are crucial to identify early.

The owners may tell you about recent upgrades, such as a new boiler, replacement windows, a renovated kitchen or a new roof. Knowing when this work was completed can help you estimate whether repairs or replacements are likely to be needed in the near future.

It’s equally important to ask about larger projects, such as extensions, loft conversions or structural alterations. If significant changes have been made, ask whether the appropriate planning permission and building regulations approval were obtained. While your conveyancer will carry out further checks during the legal process, raising any concerns at the viewing stage can help you make a more informed decision. The answer to this question can also reveal whether there are any ongoing issues with the property that may require further investigation before you make an offer.

4) Are there any restrictions on what you can do with the property?

If you’re already imagining how you’d decorate, extend or improve the property, this is an important question to ask.

A property in a conservation area may be subject to restrictions on the changes you can make. Depending on the property, these restrictions could affect anything from replacing windows and doors to building an extension or making alterations to the interior. This is something that will always come to light during the conveyancing process regardless – however, it’s better to know sooner rather than later.

It’s also worth asking whether there are any restrictive covenants attached to the property. These are legal restrictions that may limit certain types of alterations or how the property can be used.

While your conveyancer will investigate these matters during the legal process, understanding any restrictions early on can help you decide whether the property is suitable for planning any future developments or enhancements you might be considering. Make sure to gather all this information early on to avoid any surprises down the line.

5) Have the sellers found their next property?

When you’re in the process of buying a home, knowing whether the sellers have already secured another property can significantly influence your approach and expectations.

If the sellers have already had an offer accepted on another home, they’ll be keen to sell up fast so there’s no hold up in the chain and less risk of delays. It can also give you a clearer picture of the likely timeframe for the process.

However, if they haven’t yet to find somewhere else, there’s a greater degree of uncertainty and a risk of your purchase ending up in a longer chain. While this doesn’t necessarily mean there will be problems, it can introduce more uncertainty and potentially delay your move – it can also introduce complications in your own housing transition, as you might find yourself needing to align multiple moving schedules.

6) What’s included in the sale?

When viewing a property, don’t assume that everything you see will be included in the sale. Items such as white goods, fitted furniture, curtains, light fittings, as well as outbuildings like sheds, that the current owner may or may not be planning to take with them when they move.

Asking what’s included can help you avoid misunderstandings later and give you a clearer picture of any additional costs you may face after moving in. For example, replacing appliances or furnishing a room can quickly add to your budget.

More details of fixtures and fittings will be supplied later when the seller completes the T10 form for your conveyancer, which sets out exactly what is included in the sale. In the meantime, estate agents are obliged to give your details of things that could make a difference to your decision to go ahead with the purchase. It’s also helpful to ask the question during a viewing to help you understand what to expect before making an offer.

It’s also important to know exactly where the property’s perimeter is, as this isn’t always as clear as it seems at first glance. Things such as shared driveways, parking spaces, outbuildings or areas of garden that aren’t immediately obvious should be asked about to check if they’re included in the title.

Property tenure is another important consideration. If the property is leasehold, ask how many years remain on the lease and whether any service charges, management fees or other ongoing costs apply. If it isn't clear from the listing, this is something worth clarifying during the viewing. For more information, read our guide to learn the differences between leasehold and freehold.

7) What are the seller's favourite and least favourite things about the area?

A property might tick all your boxes, but it’s equally important to understand what it’s like to live in the surrounding area. Asking the current owners about their favourite and least favourite aspects of the neighbourhood, particularly if it’s one unfamiliar to you, is practically instinctive and can give you valuable insight that you won’t find in a property listing.

When you ask this, you should be aware that homeowners looking to shift a property won’t want to give much away about the area’s less desirable traits, however by asking about the positives and drawbacks, you’ll prompt them to reveal a more balanced response. You may learn about local amenities, community events, traffic levels, school catchment areas or nearby developments planned for the future.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider asking about:

It’s also worth visiting the area at different times of the day and doing your own research online to get a more complete picture of what day-to-day life might be like.

8) What are the running costs of the property?

When evaluating a potential new home, it’s easy to focus on the purchase price and overlook the ongoing costs of living there like council tax. However, these bills can have a significant impact on your budgeting week-to-week and month-to-month, so getting a detailed picture is crucial.

Start by checking the property’s council tax band, as this will give you an indication of one of the largest ongoing household costs. If this information is absent, ask the estate agent or seller directly.

In addition to council tax, enquire about the utility bills, including gas, electricity and water. While bills will vary depending on household size and usage, you can ask the seller to show you recent bills so you can gauge the average monthly cost. Alternatively, you can wait for your conveyancing solicitor to obtain these documents for you. Either way, it’s vital to push for exact figures rather than ballpark estimates to avoid surprises later.

You should also check the property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. A higher EPC rating can indicate a more energy-efficient home and could help reduce future energy bills. If the EPC rating isn't included in the property listing, ask the estate agent or seller for more information.

It's worth asking whether any energy-saving improvements have been made, such as loft insulation, double glazing, a modern boiler or solar panels.

If you’re viewing a flat or leasehold property, don’t forget to ask about any service charges, estate management fees or ground rent that may apply. These costs can vary between properties and should be factored into your overall budget.

Understanding these costs upfront will help you make a more informed decision and ensure that your new home is affordable in the long term.

9) What is the internet speed and phone reception like here?

Being connected matters more than ever in the world of today, whether you’re working from home, streaming TV, gaming online or simply staying connected with friends and family. Reliable internet speeds and phone reception are now make-or-break factors when determining whether a property works around your lifestyle.

While the estate agent or seller may be able to tell you about their experience with broadband and mobile signal at the property, it’s worth carrying out your own checks too. Ask about the available broadband providers within the area and the signal strength at the property.

You can also use tools such as the Ofcom broadband and mobile coverage checker to independently assess and verify the broadband speeds and mobile signal at the address. Comparing the seller’s experience with official coverage data will give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

If fast and reliable connectivity is important to your lifestyle, checking internet speeds and phone reception before making an offer could save you from disappointment later.

10) Can we come back again?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make and most agents will always recommend you view a property at least twice before making any big decisions. If you’re seriously considering the property, ask whether you can arrange a second visit before making an offer.

A follow-up viewing gives you the opportunity to revisit the property with a fresh perspective and check anything you may have missed the first time around. It can also help you confirm whether the property still feels right after the initial excitement has worn off.

If possible, aim to arrange your second viewing for a different time of day, when you can see the property from a different light and perspective. This can help you assess things such as natural light, noise levels, parking availability and traffic conditions, all of which have an impact on day-to-day life.

A second viewing is also the perfect opportunity to bring along a friend or family member for a second opinion, or to revisit any questions that weren’t answered during your first visit.

Taking the time to view a property more than once can give you greater confidence in your decision and help reduce the chances of any surprises after you move in.