House Viewing Checklist — 40 Things to Check Before You Buy

Take these 40 prompts to the viewing. Then use the twelve pre-offer checks below to record documents, questions and who should answer them. Use your browser's print option to keep a copy for notes.

Check these BEFORE you visit

Start with available source records and write down anything you want to investigate. These checks can prepare a viewing; they cannot inspect a home.

Flood risk

Review mapped flood screening and its gaps; follow the official source for reservoir risk

EPC rating

Energy efficiency band, estimated costs, and potential improvements

Crime statistics

Street-level crime rates and trends for the local area

School quality

Find local schools, then confirm current inspections and admissions with the school and authority

Planning applications

Search recent and pending applications on the local council planning register

Ground stability

Subsidence, shrink-swell clay, landslide, and dissolution risk

Bring available records together

HouseCheckup Complete (£24.99) brings available source checks, flags and limitations into a full PDF report. Check its contents and geographic coverage before choosing it.

Try or search any UK postcode

The complete 40-point viewing checklist

Exterior(8 items)

 

Roof condition

Look for missing/slipped tiles, sagging ridge line, moss build-up, damaged flashing. Use binoculars if needed.

 

Gutters and downpipes

Check for cracks, leaks, blockages, or signs of overflow staining on walls below gutters.

 

External walls

Look for cracks (especially stepped diagonal cracks indicating subsidence), bulging, crumbling mortar, staining, or render damage.

 

Windows and doors

Check condition of frames, seals, and glazing. Look for condensation between double-glazed panes (seal failure). Do they open and close smoothly?

 

Boundaries and fences

Check condition and confirm which boundaries belong to the property. Are they secure and in good repair?

 

Driveway and paths

Look for cracks, sinking, or drainage issues. Is there adequate off-street parking?

 

Garden and outdoor space

Check size, orientation (south-facing is ideal for light), condition, and any large trees close to the house (potential for root damage or subsidence).

 

Parking

Is there a garage, driveway, or designated parking? If street parking only, check availability at different times.

Interior — General(8 items)

 

Damp and moisture

Look for musty smells, mould spots, tide marks on walls, peeling wallpaper, and condensation on windows. Check behind furniture and in corners.

 

Cracks in walls and ceilings

Hairline cracks are usually cosmetic. Diagonal stepped cracks, cracks wider than 5mm, or cracks running from window/door corners may indicate structural issues.

 

Electrics

Check the age and condition of the consumer unit (fuse box). Are there enough sockets? Do light switches work? Look for old wiring (round pin sockets, fabric cable).

 

Plumbing

Turn on taps and check water pressure and flow. Look under sinks for leaks. Check the age and condition of the boiler — replacements cost £2,000 to £4,000.

 

Central heating

Check that radiators work in all rooms. Ask when the boiler was last serviced and its age. Gas boilers typically last 12 to 15 years.

 

Insulation

Check the loft for insulation (at least 270mm recommended). Ask about wall insulation — cavity wall insulation is common in post-1930s properties.

 

Natural light

Visit at different times of day if possible. Which direction do the main rooms face? South-facing living rooms get the most light.

 

Storage

Is there adequate built-in storage? Check loft access, under-stairs cupboards, and whether there is a garage or shed for additional storage.

Kitchen(5 items)

 

Kitchen condition

Assess the age and quality of units, worktops, and fittings. A full kitchen replacement costs £5,000 to £15,000+.

 

Appliances included

Clarify which appliances are included in the sale — oven, hob, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer.

 

Plumbing and taps

Check under the sink for leaks or damp. Test the hot water. Look at the condition of the waste pipes.

 

Ventilation

Is there an extractor fan or cooker hood? Adequate ventilation prevents condensation and mould — a common kitchen issue.

 

Space and layout

Is there room for a table? Is the layout practical for cooking? Consider whether the kitchen could be extended or opened up.

Bathroom(5 items)

 

Bathroom condition

Check the suite for cracks, chips, staining, and sealant condition. A full bathroom refit costs £3,000 to £8,000+.

 

Plumbing

Flush the toilet and check it refills properly. Look for leaks around the base of the toilet and under the basin.

 

Ventilation

Is there an extractor fan or window? Poor bathroom ventilation leads to condensation, mould, and damage to decorations.

 

Water pressure

Run the shower and taps simultaneously. Low water pressure is a common complaint and can be expensive to fix if the supply pipe needs replacing.

 

Drainage

Fill the basin and bath, then drain. Slow drainage may indicate blocked or damaged waste pipes.

Bedrooms(4 items)

 

Room sizes

Will your furniture fit? A double bed needs at least 2.7m x 3.6m of floor space. Measure if you can, or request the floorplan with dimensions.

 

Windows and light

Check which direction bedrooms face. Are windows double-glazed? Can you open them easily for ventilation?

 

Built-in storage

Are there fitted wardrobes? If not, is there wall space for freestanding furniture? Lack of bedroom storage is a common complaint.

 

Noise levels

Listen carefully — can you hear traffic, neighbours, or nearby businesses? Visit in the evening when road/rail noise may differ from daytime.

Area and Neighbourhood(10 items)

 

Noise environment

Visit at different times — morning rush, school run, evening, and weekends. Is there road, rail, aircraft, or industrial noise?

 

Parking availability

If there is no off-street parking, check street availability during the day and evening. Permit parking zones may apply.

 

Neighbours

Are neighbouring properties well-maintained? Can you hear neighbours through the walls? Check if there are any known disputes.

 

Local shops and amenities

How far is the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, post office, and GP surgery? Can you walk to essentials?

 

Public transport

Check proximity to bus stops, train stations, and tube stations. What is the commute time to your workplace?

 

Schools

If relevant, check Ofsted ratings, distance, and admissions criteria for local schools. Check the school and local authority websites for current admissions information.

 

Safety feel

Walk around the area at different times of day. Does it feel safe? Check street-level crime statistics with HouseCheckup.

 

Flooding signs

Look for flood barriers on doors, high water marks on walls, or sandbags stored outside nearby properties.

 

Mobile signal

Check your phone signal throughout the property and outside. Poor mobile coverage is a common issue in rural areas.

 

Broadband speed

Check available broadband speeds and whether full fibre (FTTP) is available. Use our broadband checker tool.

After viewing · Before deciding on an offer

Twelve checks to turn into questions

Keep the answers, source dates and gaps together. Assign questions to the person who can answer them; a clear map or missing record does not clear a house. These notes support your decision and the work of your advisers.

  1. Buyer and agent

    1. Confirm the exact home

    Check the flat or house number, postcode, boundaries being marketed and what is included. A postcode result can describe neighbouring homes.

    Start with free area checks

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  2. Buyer

    2. Compare completed sales

    Compare dated local sales and explain differences in size, tenure and condition. Asking prices are not completed transactions or a professional valuation.

    Find sold-price records

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  3. Buyer, insurer and conveyancer

    3. Check the water questions

    Use the correct nation's flood service, ask about past flooding and obtain insurance terms for the exact home. Keep planning zones separate from insurance decisions.

    Understand flood records

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  4. Buyer and surveyor

    4. Record ground concerns

    Photograph visible concerns and label regional hazard data as screening. Discuss any need for structural investigation and a formal mining search.

    Screen ground hazards

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  5. Buyer

    5. Read the energy record

    Check that the EPC belongs to the home, its date, and whether changes since inspection affect its usefulness. Ask for actual energy bills.

    Find EPC information

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  6. Council and conveyancer

    6. Check proposed changes

    Ask about permissions and building approvals for alterations. Check conservation and Article 4 records against the precise property and proposed work.

    Screen conservation records

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  7. Conveyancer

    7. Read tenure documents

    Confirm the title and, for a leasehold home, the lease, charges and relevant building documents. A listing or ownership-screening result is not a title opinion.

    Understand title records

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  8. Buyer

    8. Visit at useful times

    Check noise, travel, light and parking when you would actually use the home. An area statistic cannot reproduce a visit.

    Understand noise maps

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  9. Buyer

    9. Write down running costs

    Confirm the council tax band, bills and service charges. Set aside a separate contingency and ask for quotes for known work.

    Check council tax

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  10. Qualified surveyor

    10. Agree an inspection scope

    Describe construction, alterations and concerns. Ask which survey level is suitable and which specialist investigations are excluded.

    Prepare the survey brief

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  11. Conveyancer

    11. Plan the searches

    Ask which legal and environmental searches the home and lender require, what they cost and when to order. A paid desk report does not replace them.

    Compare searches and reports

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

  12. Buyer and advisers

    12. List unanswered questions

    Give each missing document or unresolved concern an owner and next step. Decide whether a compiled report would help you organise the available evidence.

    Review our report contents

    Notes / next step: ___________________________________

For an ordinary purchase in England and Wales, an offer becomes binding at exchange; auction and other agreements may differ. Discuss the process before committing. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules. GOV.UK buying guidance.

Check the data before you view

Use free area checks to prepare questions, or review the contents and price of a report for your chosen address. Sources differ by location.

Search a propertyView sample report

Frequently asked questions

At minimum, view a property twice before making an offer — once for your initial impression and once for a more detailed inspection. Try to view at different times of day (morning and evening) and on different days (weekday and weekend) to assess noise, traffic, parking, and natural light at various times. For your second viewing, bring a trusted friend or family member for a fresh perspective. Some buyers do three or more viewings, especially for higher-value properties.
Key questions include: Why is the seller moving? How long has the property been on the market? Have there been any previous offers? What is included in the sale (fixtures, fittings, appliances)? How old is the boiler/roof/windows? Is the property freehold or leasehold (and if leasehold, what is the remaining lease length, ground rent, and service charge)? What are the annual running costs (council tax, energy bills)? Are there any known issues or disputes with neighbours? Have any alterations been made, and were they done with planning permission and building regulations approval?
Discuss an appropriate inspection with a qualified surveyor. A lender's valuation does not give you the same assessment as a home survey. Explain the home's construction, alterations, condition and your concerns; ask the surveyor to recommend the scope and provide a written quote. A desk report cannot decide that a survey is unnecessary.
The most serious red flags include: cracks in walls (especially stepped or diagonal cracks, which may indicate subsidence), signs of damp (musty smell, mould, staining, peeling wallpaper, condensation between double-glazed windows), a sagging or uneven roof line, evidence of recent patchy decorating (which may be hiding damp or cracks), strong air fresheners or scented candles (potentially masking odours), doors or windows that stick (possible structural movement), and any signs of Japanese knotweed in the garden. HouseCheckup can also flag data-based red flags like flood risk, ground instability, and contaminated land before you even visit.
Yes. Free source services and area checkers can help you prepare questions about flood maps, EPCs, nearby crime and ground hazards. Their coverage, dates and resolution differ. Complete brings available source records together in a human-checked report; it does not inspect the building, supply a legal title opinion or guarantee that every source has data for the home.