The Hard Questions You Should Be Asking at House Viewings

Buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make. It is easy to be swayed by fresh paintwork, attractive staging or the buzz of competition at a viewing. However, looks can be deceptive. To avoid potentially costly surprises later, you should come prepared with the right questions to ask when viewing a house. The answers you get provide crucial insight into the home’s condition and value, as well as the seller’s circumstances, the potential for negotiation and whether the property is right for you.

This article explores the hard questions to ask during a house viewing, helping you make an informed decision.

1. Questions About the Seller & Property History

Why are they selling?

This is one of the most important questions to ask when viewing a house. A seller’s motivation can give you valuable insight. Are they relocating for work and keen to move quickly? Or do they seem evasive, which could indicate hidden issues with the property?

How long has the property been on the market?

If the property has been listed for months without selling, this could point to problems such as overpricing, structural issues or location-related drawbacks. On the other hand, it could mean that there is room for negotiation.

Has any major work been done?

If there have been renovations or extensions, ask to see the planning permission and building regulations approval. This is especially important for house renovation projects such as loft conversions, conservatories or structural changes. Poorly documented work could cause issues with mortgage approval or insurance later.

Have there been any past issues?

Ask specifically about damp, mould, subsidence or flooding. Even if the seller claims there are no problems, a direct question may reveal more than you expect.

What is included in the sale?

Fixtures and fittings can be a grey area. Clarify whether items like appliances, fitted wardrobes or garden sheds are staying.

2. Questions About the Property’s Condition

What is the water pressure like?

Don’t be afraid to turn on taps in kitchens and bathrooms to test flow and drainage. Poor pressure can mean poor plumbing or hidden leaks.

Where is the boiler and when was it last serviced?

Boilers can be expensive to replace. Ask for the servicing history and the boiler’s age to get an idea of likely costs in future.

Are there any known issues with the roof, guttering or drainage?

These are some of the most common and costly problems that arise after purchase. Ensure that you ask about them upfront.

Are the windows double-glazed and in good condition?

Check whether seals are intact and ask about the installation date. Replacing windows can also be a significant cost.

What is the property’s energy efficiency like?

Ask for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC rating of C or higher is generally more desirable, and a poor rating could mean higher energy bills and future upgrade costs as regulations tighten.

3. Questions About the Sale and Legal Matters

Are there any pending offers or previous offers that fell through?

This can give you a sense of competition and alert you to potential issues raised by other buyers.

Are the sellers in a property chain?

Chains often cause delays. Knowing how many links there are in the chain will help you gauge how long it might take to complete the sale.

Is the property freehold or leasehold?

Leasehold ownership means you will need to know the remaining lease length, ground rent and service charges. This is usually applicable to flats.

Who is the freeholder and managing agent?

If there is a leasehold, it will involve payment of service charges and engagement for building insurance claims.

Are there any restrictive covenants or planning restrictions?

These can limit your ability to extend or renovate the property. Asking about this is essential for anyone considering future renovations on a property they are viewing.

4. Questions About the Area and Neighbours

What is the neighbourhood like?

Estate agents may not always be forthcoming, but you can ask if they would live there themselves. Walking around at different times of day also gives you a sense of noise, safety and atmosphere.

What are the local schools like and is the area noisy?

For many buyers, school catchments are crucial. Noise levels from nearby roads, nightlife or neighbours can also make a big difference to your quality of life in a new property.

Have there been any disputes with neighbours?

Disputes over boundaries, noise or shared access should be disclosed. Asking directly may uncover information you would not see in marketing material.

5. Other Smart Questions to Ask

• What are the average utility bills and council tax for this property? This helps you budget realistically.

• Is there good broadband and mobile coverage? Poor connectivity can be problematic.  

• Have there been any recent planning applications nearby? New developments could improve or negatively impact the area.

• Is the property listed or in a conservation area? If so, you may face restrictions on alterations. Membership organisations such as Historic Houses can often provide advice on preserving such properties.

• How secure is the property? Ask about locks, alarms and whether there have been break-ins.

Conclusion

Asking the right questions when viewing a property can save you from costly mistakes and future regret. Details matter. If you are buying a property, being thorough and persistent at the viewing stage is one of the smartest investments of your time.

FAQs

Q. What are the most important questions to ask when viewing a house?

A. Focus on the seller’s motivation, the property’s condition (boiler, roof, windows and damp), any legal issues, such as lease length or restrictive covenants, and the local area.

Q. Should I ask about the EPC rating at a viewing?

A. Yes, the EPC rating provides valuable insight into the home’s energy efficiency and future running costs. A poor rating could also affect mortgage eligibility adversely.

Q. How can I tell if a property has hidden issues?

A. Ask direct questions about damp, flooding and structural repairs. Look for signs such as musty smells, cracks in walls or freshly painted patches that could be hiding damage.

Q. Why should I ask how long the property has been on the market?

A. A long time on the market could indicate overpricing or hidden problems, but it could also give you room to negotiate on price.

Q. What legal questions should I ask when buying a property?

A. Always confirm if it is freehold or leasehold, the length of any lease, service charges, ground rent and whether there are restrictive covenants.

Q. Should I ask about what is included in the sale?

A. Yes. Clarify whether fixtures like ovens, light fittings or sheds are staying to avoid disputes later.

Q. How do neighbours impact buying a property?

A. Ask about disputes or noise issues. Neighbour problems can significantly affect your enjoyment of the property and may even appear on legal documents during conveyancing.

Q. Can I ask about local developments or planning?

A. Absolutely. New infrastructure could boost property value, while nearby building works could increase noise and traffic.

Q. Are there specific questions for older or historic houses?

A. Yes, ask about listed status, conservation area restrictions and whether previous renovations were approved. Organisations such as Historic Houses can be a resource for understanding your responsibilities.

Q. Should I test things like taps or windows during a viewing?

A. Yes. Checking water pressure, drainage and window condition can highlight potential issues before you invest in surveys.