Questions to ask when viewing a house

By Chris Pollitt · Last checked 6 November 2026 · 2 min read

A first viewing usually lasts twenty minutes, and most of that goes on getting a feel for the place. That's fine, but it's also your best chance to ask questions and spot things that might cost you later. Take this list with you, and make notes or take photos as you go, with permission.

Questions for the agent or seller

• Why are they selling? The answer can tell you how motivated they are and whether they're flexible on timing.
• How long has it been on the market, and have there been any offers?
• Are they in a chain? Have they found somewhere to buy? A long chain means more risk of delays.
• What's included? Carpets, curtains, appliances and garden sheds can all be up for discussion.
• How old are the boiler and the roof, and when were they last serviced or repaired?
• Has any work been done, such as extensions, loft conversions or removed walls? Was there planning permission or building regulations sign-off?
• What are the bills like? Ask about energy costs and the council tax band.
• Is it freehold or leasehold? If leasehold, how many years are left, and what are the ground rent and service charge?
• Have there been any disputes with neighbours, or problems with flooding or subsidence?

The seller has a legal duty not to mislead you, and they'll answer many of these formally in the property information forms later. Asking early saves wasted time.

Inside the house

• Damp: look for stains, peeling wallpaper, black mould and a musty smell, especially in corners, behind furniture and under windows. Fresh paint in one patch can be hiding something.
• Cracks: fine hairline cracks are common. Wider cracks, especially diagonal ones above doors and windows, are worth asking a surveyor about.
• Windows: condensation between double-glazed panes means the seal has failed.
• Water pressure: run a tap and flush the toilet.
• Electrics: look at the consumer unit (fuse box). Old fuse wire or very few sockets suggest rewiring may be due.
• Storage and space: will your furniture fit? Take measurements of anything awkward.
• Phone signal and light: check both in the rooms you'll use most.

Outside

• The roof: look for missing or slipped tiles and sagging lines.
• Gutters and drains: blocked or broken gutters often cause damp inside.
• Trees: large trees close to the house can affect foundations on clay soils.
• Boundaries and parking: who owns the fences, and is parking on the street easy in the evening?
• Which way the garden faces makes a big difference to how much sun it gets.

The area

Walk round the block. Visit again at rush hour and on a weekend evening. Before or after the viewing, check what homes on the street have sold for, the flood and noise risk, broadband speeds and the nearest schools. Our guide to researching an area covers what to look for.

Second viewings

If you're interested, always go back before making an offer. Bring someone with a fresh pair of eyes, take your time, open cupboards, and ask anything you forgot the first time.