Questions to Ask Before Viewing a Property
A viewing is more useful when you arrive with a few questions in mind. The aim is not to create an interrogation, but to identify information that may affect your decision or prompt further investigation.
Some answers may need to be confirmed later through the legal process or by an appropriately qualified professional.
1. Why is the property being sold?
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
2. How long has it been marketed?
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
Good property decisions usually come from combining evidence, context and a clear understanding of the next step.
3. What is the tenure?
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
4. Are there service charges or estate charges?
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
5. What is included in the sale?
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
6. Have there been significant alterations?
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
7. Are there known issues to investigate?
This stage deserves a deliberate decision rather than an assumption. Look at the property, the transaction and your own priorities together. Gather the relevant information, understand what is confirmed and what still needs checking, and keep a record of the decisions that could affect timing, cost or risk.
Questions worth asking
- What information do I already have?
- What still needs to be verified?
- Could this issue affect value, timing or buyer confidence?
- Do I need legal, tax, financial or technical advice before acting?
Next steps
If the guide relates to a sale or valuation, Aspect Properties can help you understand the property position and the practical route forward.
