Questions Buyers Should Ask During A Viewing
A viewing is not just about deciding whether you like a property. Asking the right questions can help you understand the seller’s position, the home itself and how strong your offer needs to be
The right questions can help you understand the seller’s position, the history of the property and what may affect your offer. They can also help you avoid surprises later in the process.
Here are some useful questions to ask before making an offer.
1. Why is the owner selling?
This is a simple question, but it can tell you a lot.
The owner may be moving for more space, downsizing, relocating for work, separating, dealing with probate or simply looking for a change. You may not be told every personal detail, but understanding the reason for the move can give you useful insight into their motivation.
2. How long has the property been on the market?
If a property has only just come to market, the seller may want to wait and see what interest they receive before accepting an offer.
If it has been available for some time, it is worth asking why. Has the price been too high? Has the property had offers that did not proceed? Time on the market does not automatically mean there is a problem, but it is useful context when deciding what to offer.
3. What price is the seller hoping to achieve?
The asking price and the eventual selling price are not always the same thing.
You may not be told the exact figure a seller would accept, but the agent may be able to give you an idea of how realistic or flexible the seller is likely to be
4. Has the seller found somewhere to buy?
This question helps you understand timescale.
If the seller has already found a property, they may be keen to agree a sale quickly. If they have not started looking, the process may take longer.
5. Is there a chain?
A chain can affect both the timescale and the level of risk.
If the seller is buying another property and that seller is also buying, there may be several people involved before everything can complete. The more links in the chain, the more moving parts there are.
That doesn't mean you should avoid a chain completely. But you need to understand what you are getting into before making an offer.
6. Have there been any offers already?
The exact amount of previous offers may not be disclosed, but it is still worth asking whether any have been made.
If there has been other interest, it can help you understand the level of competition.
If an offer was rejected, the agent may be able to explain whether it was too low, whether the buyer’s position was weak or whether the seller simply wanted to wait.
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7. Have any major works been carried out?
If the property has been extended, altered or significantly renovated, ask what work has been done and whether the seller has the relevant paperwork.
Planning permission, building regulation approval, guarantees and certificates may all become important once solicitors are involved.
8. What is included in the sale?
Do not assume everything you see will stay.
Curtains, blinds, appliances, garden buildings, light fittings and other items may or may not be included. Some sellers are happy to leave certain things, while others may want to take them or negotiate separately.
9. Has the property had a survey before?
If a previous sale has fallen through, it's worth asking whether a survey had anything to do with it.
You are unlikely to be given a copy of someone else’s survey because it belongs to the person who paid for it. But the agent may be able to tell you whether any concerns were raised, and whether they have since been dealt with.
10. Is the property listed or in a conservation area?
This can affect what you can do to the property in the future.
If a home is listed, or if it sits within a conservation area, there may be restrictions on alterations, extensions, windows, exterior changes or other improvements.
11. Which schools are nearby?
For many buyers, schools are a major part of the decision.
Even if you do not have children now, school access can affect future appeal and resale value. It is worth checking which schools are nearby, how practical the school run would be and whether the location works for your family plans.
12. What are the transport links like?
Transport links can make a big difference to day to day life.
Think about your commute, school journeys, access to stations, bus routes, main roads and local amenities. A property may feel right inside, but if the location makes everyday life harder, that matters.
13. What is the tenure?
Before making an offer, you need to understand whether the property is freehold or leasehold.
With a freehold house, you usually own the property and the land it sits on. With a leasehold property, you own the property for the remaining term of the lease and there may be ground rent, service charges, management arrangements or restrictions to consider.
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