Property Viewing Checklist: 47 Things to Check | Dom

Your first viewing is emotional. Your second viewing should be analytical. Use this checklist on any property you're seriously considering.

Structure and fabric

[ ] Look at the roofline from outside — any sagging, missing tiles, or visibly damaged chimney stacks?
[ ] Check the chimney stack — is the pointing intact? Any leaning?
[ ] Look for cracks in external walls — hairline cracks are normal; diagonal or stepped cracks can indicate movement
[ ] Check the brickwork or render — spalling bricks, bulging, or detachment are concerns
[ ] Look at the gutters and downpipes — blocked or overflowing gutters cause damp
[ ] Check the roof from inside (if accessible) — look for daylight, water stains, or damaged timbers
[ ] Bounce gently on ground floor — any springiness or movement can indicate joist problems
[ ] Check ceilings for cracks or staining — water ingress often shows up here first

Damp is common in Manchester's older housing stock. It takes three forms: rising, penetrating, and condensation.

[ ] Look for tide marks on low walls — horizontal staining above skirting level suggests rising damp
[ ] Check behind furniture against external walls — sellers sometimes hide damp issues this way
[ ] Check the corner of the ceiling in ground floor rooms — penetrating damp often appears here
[ ] Smell the property — musty or earthy smell is a damp indicator, especially in older properties
[ ] Check around window frames — failed seals and leaking reveals are common sources
[ ] Check the bathroom ceiling and walls — poor ventilation causes persistent mould
[ ] Look in kitchen under the sink — any water damage or mould?
[ ] Check the basement or cellar (if present) — is it dry or visibly wet?

[ ] Ask the age of the consumer unit (fuse box) — modern units have RCDs; old-fashioned wire fuses need replacing
[ ] Check socket types — old round-pin sockets or single-pin sockets indicate older wiring
[ ] Ask when the boiler was last serviced — request the boiler service record
[ ] Ask the boiler's age — over 15 years, budget for replacement within 5 years
[ ] Check radiators for even heat and no cold spots — a sign of sludge or air in the system
[ ] Ask about the EPC rating — and what it would take to improve it

[ ] Check all windows open and close properly — sticking or painted-shut windows are a basic maintenance flag
[ ] Look for condensation between double-glazed panes — failed units need replacing
[ ] Check window frames for rot — probe timber frames gently if they look soft
[ ] Check the front door seals and draught-proofing
[ ] Test all internal doors — sticking doors can indicate structural movement

[ ] Check boundary ownership — which fences/walls belong to this property? Check the title plan
[ ] Look at the state of the garden — any Japanese knotweed? (Bamboo-like stems, heart-shaped leaves)
[ ] Check outbuildings — any asbestos roofing on old garages or lean-tos?
[ ] Check parking arrangements — is it allocated, on-street, or does it require a permit?
[ ] Look at the front elevation at different times — does the property get sun? What's street noise like?

[ ] Ask the lease length remaining — under 85 years is a concern
[ ] Ask what the service charge is per year — and whether it has increased recently
[ ] Ask about any planned or recent major works — roof, lifts, external decoration
[ ] Ask whether there's a reserve fund — and its approximate balance
[ ] Ask about the management company — who runs the building and are residents happy with them?
[ ] Ask about ground rent — is it a peppercorn or a fixed/doubling amount?

[ ] Walk the street at different times — once during the day, once in the evening
[ ] Check the flood risk at the Environment Agency website for the postcode
[ ] Check planning applications nearby on the council website — any large developments proposed?
[ ] Check transport links — how far to the nearest Metrolink stop or bus route?
[ ] Check school catchments if relevant — www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables
[ ] Note any commercial activity nearby — late-night venues, industrial units

[ ] Why is the seller moving?
[ ] How long has the property been on the market?
[ ] Have there been any previous offers? (And why did they fall through?)
[ ] What's included in the sale? (White goods, window treatments, garden furniture)
[ ] When is the seller hoping to complete?

This checklist is for guidance. A RICS survey remains the definitive professional assessment of a property's condition.