The Questions to Ask When Viewing a House

Before you visit a possible new home, it’s important to have the questions to ask when viewing a house ready. When you meet the estate agent, use this chance to get important information. This will help you make a smart decision.

It can be tough to know what to look for when viewing a property! First-time buyers in particular might not be aware of all the different things to consider. We have made it easier for you by listing some questions to ask when viewing a house:

What are questions to ask an estate agent?

Here are some essential questions to ask the estate agent when viewing a house:

1. How long has the property been on the market for?

Start by asking about the property’s history and how long it has been on the market. This will give you an idea of its popularity and any potential negotiation room.

If the property has been on the market for anywhere between 3-6 months then ask the agent why?

It could be that the property was overpriced and may have had a price reduction. However, it could also be that the seller is in a rush to sell as they might have put an offer in on a new house to buy.

An offer might have been accepted before, but the deal could have fell through. Perhaps a property survey had revealed some inconvenient truths.

These answers could help your negotiations. They may give you a chance to get a good price if you think this property meets your needs.

2. Has anyone made an offer on the property yet?

Knowing if there have been past offers on the property helps you see how much interest there is in it. It can also indicate how competitive the market is and help you gauge the property’s desirability. If there are multiple offers, it shows high demand. This can affect how you negotiate or when you make your offer.

3. What was the offer and why was it turned down?

Understanding past offers and their rejections can give you important insights into the seller’s motivations. It may reveal aspects of the property or the seller’s situation that could influence your own offer strategy.

4. Has the property been relisted or reduced?

Find out if the property has been relisted or if there have been price reductions is important. It can offer insights into the property’s history on the market. It could indicate potential issues with the property or the seller’s motivation to sell.

5. How did you arrive at the asking price?

Ask about the asking price as it can help you evaluate whether the property is priced fairly. It can also give you an idea of the seller’s expectations and whether there is room for negotiation.

6. Have you sold any other properties in the area?

Learning about the estate agent’s track record in the area can provide you with confidence in their knowledge and expertise. Knowing the sale prices of similar properties in the area can help you assess the property’s value. So, you can make an informed offer.

7. What’s the area like?

Besides the property, it’s important to consider the wider surroundings too. Ask the estate agent about the local amenities, such as schools, shops, and transportation links.

Find out about the neighbourhood appeal. Is it a quiet residential area or a bustling community?

What are the neighbours like? The answer to this question will likely be a positive one. However, be aware that any neighbourhood disputes (past or present) must be disclosed to you.

Are there any upcoming development plans that might affect your decision? By delving into these aspects, you’ll gain a clearer picture of the lifestyle the area offers.

You can change many things about a property but not its location. A Move iQ property report can help you know any property instantly. Just enter the postcode select the report based on the information you want, and you will have all you need at your fingertips.

8. Why is the seller moving?

One of the main reasons people move home is because they run out of space. If this is true, pay attention to the storage in the property. If it seems limited, is there space to add more storage? Perhaps the sellers are moving for personal reasons and might be interested in a fast sale.

9. How long have the owners lived there?

Perhaps the seller has lived there for a number of years, loves their home but needs to downsize. If this is the case then who they sell to might be important, so being charming about their home could go in your favour.

If the seller has lived there for a relatively short space of time then this should set off alarm bells. Have they had neighbour issues?

Has a recent planning application been granted that could be detrimental to the property? Are there building works nearby? Or is there an issue with the property itself? Either way, you’ll want to find out.

10. What’s the Energy Performance Rating (EPC)

Another crucial aspect to discuss is the property’s energy efficiency. Inquire about the insulation, heating systems, and any energy-saving features. This will not only help you understand the environmental impact but also provide insights into potential utility bills. It’s important to have a understanding of the property’s ongoing costs to help you determine if the property is affordable to you over the long term.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives a home an energy rating, based on its energy efficiency. The energy certificate will give your property a rating from A (highly efficient) to G (inefficient). The UK average is D.

Having an EPC is a legal requirement for all domestic properties that are built and up for sale or rent in the UK.

The energy efficiency rating will let you know how costly the property is to run and inform you of any money-saving methods that can be implemented.

11. Has the property been renovated?

You should also ask about any recent renovations or repairs that have been carried out. Are there any issues with the building? The seller and their estate agent, are legally obliged to disclose any issues with the property to you.

Understanding the condition of the property will allow you to assess whether it meets your expectations.

Perhaps there’s been an extension, conservatory, or new roof. Find out what’s been done and when and ensure any necessary paperwork is in place and to hand. These kinds of things can massively slow down the conveyancing process if a vendor is not organised.

Questions to ask sellers when viewing a house?

If you’re lucky enough to meet the seller, as not every seller can or wants to be there. Then be ready with your list of viewing questions that only they can know the answers to.

Ask them questions about living in, and running the house, for example:

• Can you give me an indication of your monthly running costs?
• Have you done any renovations since living here? If so, are there certificates for the work?
• What are the neighbours like?
• If you were staying at the property is there anything you would do to it?
• What are the best and worst things about living in the property?
• Are there any known issues with the building?
• Why are the current owners selling?
• How long have the owners lived there?

If a seller seems unwilling or reluctant to answer any questions, this should send some alarm bells ringing. However, they (or their agent) are legally required to disclose all information. So its worth pursuing with their agent even if they aren’t very forthcoming.

Questions to ask about the property

It’s a good idea to research the area surrounding the property, as well as the property itself. You can find many of the answers to questions about the property online and it might help if you walk around the neighbourhood, or at least visit the property at different times of the day.

Questions to ask about the property itself when viewing a house:

• Is the property listed and/or does it stand in a conservation area?
• Is the property share of freehold
• Is there any off-street parking?
• If parking is all on-street, how easy is it to get a spot and what does it cost?
• How busy is the road?
• How much does the property cost to run? (Utility bills and council tax etc.)
• Have any insurance claims been made relating to the property itself? If so, what were they for?
• How much did the property last sell for? And when?
• Have prices gone up sharply in the area or down? Is there a reason for this?
• Which direction does the property face?
• Is it a nice neighbourhood, how well maintained are the neighbours properties?
• Are there trees in the garden or in front of the property which could cause problems?
• How energy efficient is the property?
• Have there been any recent renovations?
• Is the property structurally sound?
• How old is the roof? Is the attic in good condition?
• How much storage space is there?
• How noisy in the property?
• If the house is on a private road who pays for maintenance?

Don’t forget to research the area

We’ve all now heard the phrase ‘location, location, location’. It’s true – it is all about location! When buying a home, researching the local area is essential.

You could have the most fantastic property, but if it’s on the worst street, you won’t enjoy living there.

It’s better to have the worst property on the best street, because you can always add value through refurbishments.

• What are the local facilities like?
• How good are the transport links?
• What shops are nearby?
• How good are the local restaurants?
• Are there any good pubs nearby?
• Which schools are the property in the catchment area for?
• What are the local crime statistics like?
• What leisure facilities are nearby?
• Are there any parks, playgrounds, leisure centres, sports clubs etc?
• How fast is the internet in the area?

A Move iQ property report helps you form a rounded opinion on the suitability of a specific property you may be considering.

Questions to ask when viewing a flat

Purchasing a leasehold property, such as a flat or apartment, should be something you enter into with your eyes wide open. Once you have agreed to the terms of the lease, there is little room for negotiation afterwards.

Do your homework and find out as much as you can about the lease and the freeholder beforehand. The last thing you want, after spending so much money on a property, is discovering that there are serious works that need doing to the property.

Ensure you ask:

• Who owns the freehold?
• How long is left to run on the lease?
• If it’s a shorter lease length, what would be the cost of extending it?
• What are the annual costs i.e. service charge and/or ground rent?
• How often are maintenance works carried out on the building?
• Does everyone in the block split the cost of repairs equally? If not, who pays what?
• When were the common areas last refurbished?
• Are there any works planned for the near future?
• Are other flats lived in by tenants or owner occupiers?
• What’s the parking situation? Is there any at all?
• Do you have access to any storage space, such as an attic?
• Are you allowed pets?
• Is there a lift?
• Who is the managing agent?
• How good is the sound proofing?

This might seem like a lot of information to gather, but you need to ask these questions to gather as much information as possible.

Create a viewing checklist when viewing a house

We understand that it can be tough to know what to ask when buying a house. So, we’ve put together a checklist of questions to ask when buying a house as part of our moving home toolkit, so you can tick them off as you go!

Ask all the ones included, plus any extras you think of when you’re there. Every property is different, so you might notice something during the viewing, inside or out, that you need more details about.

It’s worth noting down the answers to important questions, such as any major maintenance works that are required. Particularly if you’re viewing more than one property at the same time, it helps to have a record!

A viewing checklist might sound extreme – but you can never be too thorough.

Questions to ask when buying a house

If you’ve gathered all the necessary answers to the questions during your viewing, and the property seems right for you, it’s time to get the ball rolling on buying it!

But, the questioning is far from over! Time to double-check a few details:

Here are some questions to ask when viewing a house you’re eager to buy:

• What’s the deal with fixtures and fittings? What’s included in the sale, and what’s being taken?
• Is the seller in a chain?
• When does the owner want to move and are there any potential complications in the chain?
• Is there room to negotiate the house price?
• How much is the council tax?
• Is anyone else interested in the property?

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these are some important questions to ask before buying a house. You’re about to part with a huge about of money, so ensure you know everything about the property.

Why property questions are important

Whether it’s your first-time or not, knowing how to view a house is essential. The key is to get as many details as possible.

Things to ask when viewing a house include questions about the property structure, the asking price and the surrounding area. Never rush into making an offer before gathering all the necessary information.

Particularly if this is your second viewing of a property, the answers you receive will determine whether or not you choose to go ahead with the sale.

You’re potentially about to make the biggest investment of your life, so you’ll want to know as much about it as possible.

Need a mortgage advice?

Now that you know what type of questions you should ask before viewing a house, it’s important you also know whether you can afford it. We recommend that you speak to a mortgage adviser first. Get a mortgage quote from our trusted advisors using the link below.

Last Updated: March 21st, 2025