A property viewing is your chance to look beyond the glossy listing photos and assess whether a home truly meets your needs. While it is easy to be swept up by a beautifully staged living room, disciplined buyers know that the details matter most. Here are ten things our Hunters team recommends checking every time you step through the door.
Start outside. Look at the roof for missing or slipped tiles, check the gutters for rust or blockages, and inspect the brickwork for cracks. These exterior clues can reveal expensive structural issues that are easy to overlook once you are inside admiring the kitchen.
Inside, test every tap and flush every toilet. Water pressure problems and slow drainage are common in older Barnet and Whetstone properties, particularly Victorian conversions. Ask the agent when the boiler was last serviced and whether the plumbing has been updated.
Open and close all windows and doors. Stiff frames or single glazing can mean draughts and high energy bills. Check for signs of damp — look behind furniture, in corners, and along skirting boards. A musty smell in any room should raise questions.
Examine the electrics. Outdated fuse boxes, a shortage of sockets, or exposed wiring are red flags that may require a rewire. Ask whether there is an up-to-date Electrical Installation Condition Report.
Finally, visit at different times of day if possible. A quiet Sunday morning can feel very different from a busy weekday rush hour. Traffic noise, parking availability, and natural light all change throughout the day, and understanding these patterns helps you make a confident decision.