Before the Viewing
Research the Property: Check the listing details, note the rent and deposit, look at the floor plan if available, and research the local area using Google Maps or Street View.
Prepare Questions: Write down anything you want to know: bills included? Parking? Pets allowed? Contract length? Don't rely on memory.
Plan Your Route: Arrive 5-10 minutes early. This gives you time to assess the neighbourhood, parking availability, and transport links.
What to Check During the Viewing
First Impressions: How does the building exterior look? Is the communal area clean and well-maintained? Any security concerns?
Room by Room:
Living Areas:
- Natural light — when does the sun come in?
- Power socket locations and quantity
- Mobile phone signal strength
- Noise levels (traffic, neighbours)
- Size — will your furniture fit?
Kitchen:
- Appliance condition (open the oven, check the fridge)
- Worktop and cupboard space
- Extractor fan function
- Water pressure at the tap
Bathroom:
- Water pressure in shower
- Signs of mould or damp
- Extractor fan presence
- Hot water — ask how long it takes to heat
Bedrooms:
- Built-in storage
- Window size and blackout potential
- Noise from street or neighbours
Property Condition:
- Damp or mould (check corners, windowsills, behind furniture)
- Window condition — do they open and close properly? Double glazed?
- Door locks — secure?
- Heating system — what type? How old is the boiler?
- General decoration — will it be refreshed before you move in?
Practical Considerations:
- Parking — is it included? Permit required?
- Garden — who maintains it?
- Storage — is there a loft, shed, or cupboard?
- Bins — where are they kept? Collection day?
Questions to Ask
About the Property:
- When was the boiler last serviced?
- Are there any known issues?
- What's the EPC rating?
- Is the property furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished?
- Are any changes planned before move-in?
About the Tenancy:
- What's the minimum contract length?
- Is there a break clause?
- How much is the deposit?
- Are bills included?
- What's the landlord's policy on pets/decorating?
About the Management:
- Who handles maintenance issues?
- What's the response time for repairs?
- How often are inspections carried out?
- Is there 24-hour emergency cover?
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance to answer questions
- Pressure to make quick decisions
- Signs of damp, mould, or pest issues
- Non-functioning appliances
- Missing safety certificates
- Requests for cash payments or deposits before viewing
- Landlord who seems difficult to contact
Green Flags
Responsive agent, well-maintained property, clear documentation, willing to answer all questions.
Amber Flags
Minor maintenance issues, slightly dated decoration, no parking included — negotiable points.
Red Flags
Signs of damp or mould, pressure to decide quickly, requests for cash, missing safety certificates.
After the Viewing
Take Notes: Write down your impressions while they're fresh. Compare properties objectively.
Review Photos: If you took photos, review them at home. You'll spot things you missed.
Ask Follow-Up Questions: If anything was unclear, contact the agent.
Make Your Decision: Good properties move fast. If you want it, apply promptly — but don't rush into something that doesn't feel right.
Haus Estates Viewings
We offer flexible viewing times, comprehensive property information, and honest answers to all your questions. Book a viewing with us today.
