A house viewing can be a stressful yet rewarding part of the moving home process. The average time it now takes for a house viewing is just 38 minutes, but we feel you should definitely take your time, as this could be one of the most important decisions of your life. The Buzzmove team have compiled our list of top tips to help you through your house viewing – we hope they are of use and if you would like to add any tips of your own, leave a comment!

DON’T GET TOO COMFORTABLE

It’s often easy to be tempted by a property because of the way it is furnished on the day of your viewing. You may walk into a cosy, warm living room and see yourself relaxing in it one day only to move in and realise it was nothing like you had imagined. Remember, people often take their possessions and furniture with them when they leave so the house you viewed will be far more vacant once you have moved in.

EXPLORE THE AREA MORE THAN ONCE

It is often difficult to gather the feel of the area from just one visit so we advise you to visit/drive around on different days and times to get a feel of the liveliness and crowds to see if it suits your needs. This also allows you to get a feel of the community and some of the activities that you could be a part of.

ASSESS HOW WELL LIT IT IS

The majority of house viewings take place in the evening, and this means viewers have little idea about how well lit a property will be during the day. Although this is not a determining factor for all potential buyers/renters, it is often useful for movers with families who’d like large windows and light for their children. If possible, try to get an early viewing or visit during the weekend when you can properly assess it.

SCOPE OUT SIZES OF HALLWAYS, DOORS & ACCESS POINTS

Moving larger and awkwardly sized objects into a property can be quite a burden, even with the right equipment that our professional removal companies have. It is therefore very important to assess the sizes of key access points as a property may just be too impractical for the items that you own.

PLAN YOUR STORAGE SPACES

It’s easy to have a quick look around all rooms and only take in what you see at first glance. An important factor, however, will be storage spaces that the property has. This includes cupboards, the loft and cellars – it is important to check these to see if they fit your criteria and the amount of items you will be moving.

TAKE PLENTY OF PICTURES

Always ask the current residents and the estate agent before you start taking pictures, and if allowed, do try and take a few in each room. This is especially important if you are viewing a selection of similar properties to prevent your memories of each becoming a blur. Taking pictures also allows you to directly compare properties and also show relevant family/friends before making the final decision – they might spot something you didn’t!

LOOK AT THE RECENT BILLS

If possible, ask to see some of the recent utility and council tax bills so that you have an idea of what you could be paying if you move in. A small difference can often add up in the long-term, and may not be within your budget.

ASK YOURSELF IF EACH ROOM IS BIG ENOUGH FOR YOU

Carefully assess the type of furniture that the current residents have in the property and whether it may be tainting your view. For example, if the residents own a smaller bed than you do, you could be overestimating the space you’d have.

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