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    How many times should you view a property before buying?

    While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it is advisable to view a property more than once before taking the plunge and buying it. Here we take you through the things to think about at each viewing to help make sure you are making an informed decision on your property purchase.

    Viewing By Viewing
    Buyer assessing the exterior of a house during a property viewing

    The short version

    Narrowing down the property you want to buy.

    You have seen a property you like the look of, it is in the right location and it is within your budget — so you have called the agent and arranged a viewing. But then what?

    More than once

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but it is advisable to view a property more than once before taking the plunge. Most buyers need at least two visits to make an informed decision.

    Ever-sharper lenses

    Think of consecutive viewings as progressively sharper lenses — the first is broad and instinctive, while later ones focus in on the finer detail you cannot take in all at once.

    As many as you need

    Your home is likely the single largest investment you will ever make, so there is nothing wrong with viewing it as many times as it takes. Do not be afraid to take your time.

    Viewing by viewing

    How many times do you need to visit?

    A good way to think about consecutive viewings is as an act of ever-sharper lenses — the first viewing is quite broad, and subsequent viewings focus more and more on the finer details.

    First viewing

    Layout, location and gut feeling

    Your first viewing is equally about the layout and facilities of the property as it is about your instinct — the tilt factor. Keep it broad and pay attention to how the place makes you feel.

    • Do you get a good feeling from the property when you walk in?
    • Does the street feel friendly, and is the location right for you day to day?
    • Does the layout work for how you actually live, and are the rooms usable?
    • On the face of it, does the property appear to be value for money?

    Second viewing

    A second opinion and the technical questions

    You think the property might be right for you. Bring along a friend or relative for their input — it is far easier for someone else to be objective when they are not the one moving in.

    • Ask a friend or relative to spot the issues you may have missed first time round.
    • Quiz the agent or existing owner on the energy rating and council tax band.
    • Ask about average utility rates, the age of the boiler and whether there is double glazing.
    • Look for any evidence of structural concerns and raise what you find.

    Third viewing and beyond

    Getting the full picture before you commit

    If you have made it this far you probably want to buy, but you need all the information before you take the plunge. This is the stage to bring in specialist advice.

    • Instruct a qualified to produce an independent residential survey report.
    • Use the findings to get specialist advice on any concerns about the property.
    • Start thinking about how your furniture will fit into the rooms and hallways.
    • Begin costing up any refurbishment work you might want to carry out.

    Getting more from each visit

    Small things that change what you see.

    Booking another viewing is only useful if it shows you something new. These are the easiest ways to make a repeat visit count.

    Vary the time of day

    Properties and neighbourhoods can have a very different feel during the day compared with night-time. Booking your second viewing at another time shows you traffic, parking, noise and light you would otherwise never see.

    Look beyond the property itself

    The street, the neighbours, the commute and the local amenities come with the house. Walk the area rather than driving straight home, and you will learn things no viewing appointment will tell you.

    Take measurements early

    Knowing whether your sofa, bed or wardrobes will actually fit saves an expensive surprise on moving day. It is far easier to measure while you still have viewings booked than after you have exchanged.

    Family relaxing at home after buying the right property

    Take your time

    View the property as many
    times as you need.

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with viewing a house as many times as it takes to make an informed decision on the largest investment you are ever likely to make.

    Do not let pace decide for you

    The only real factor pushing against another viewing is whether the property might be sold to somebody else — and agents may well remind you of that in a bid to close the sale. Recognise it for what it is.

    Care and consideration win

    It is always better to act with care when planning a property purchase. A few extra days spent looking properly costs you very little compared with the sums involved in the transaction itself.

    Walking away is allowed

    It is far better to walk away than to rush into buying a property and be met with nasty surprises once you have moved in. No viewing schedule is worth committing to the wrong house.

    Making an informed decision

    What viewings alone cannot tell you.

    When you are making such a significant investment, it is important to have a full picture of the condition of the property before you commit to it.

    Viewings have limits

    However many times you visit, a viewing shows you the surface of a building. Roofs, drainage, timbers and the structure behind the decoration are simply not things an untrained eye can assess in an hour.

    A survey fills the gap

    An independent survey by professionally qualified surveyor gives you specialist advice on the concerns a viewing raises, and identifies the ones it never would have. That is the information you need before committing.

    Findings you can act on

    A report helps you negotiate on price, gives you peace of mind, and lets you plan for the future — because you know what needs attention now and what can safely wait.

    Common questions

    Property viewings, at a glance.

    How many times should you view a property before buying?

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but it is advisable to view a property more than once. Most buyers find two or three viewings enough to move from a broad first impression to the finer detail — and there is nothing wrong with going back more often if you need to.

    Is it rude to ask for a third or fourth viewing?

    No. Your home is likely to be the single largest investment you will ever make, and agents and sellers are used to serious buyers wanting to be certain. Do not be afraid to take your time during viewings either.

    What should I look for on a first viewing?

    Keep it broad. Concentrate on the layout and facilities of the property alongside your gut feeling — whether you get a good feeling from the place, whether the street feels friendly, and whether the property appears to be value for money.

    What should I ask on a second viewing?

    Move on to the technical considerations: the energy rating, the council tax band, average utility rates, the age of the boiler, whether there is double glazing, and whether there is any evidence of structural concerns.

    Should I view a property at a different time of day?

    Yes, it is well worth it. Properties and neighbourhoods can have a very different feel during the day compared with night-time, so a second viewing at another time often tells you something a repeat daytime visit would not.

    Should I take someone with me to a viewing?

    Bringing a friend or relative to your second viewing is a good idea. They may spot issues you have missed, and it is easier for someone else to be objective about a property when they are not the one who will be living there.

    When should I book a survey?

    Once you are confident enough to want to buy — typically around your third viewing — bring in a qualified surveyor for an independent residential survey report. The findings help you negotiate on price and plan for the future.

    What if the agent says another buyer is interested?

    The only genuine factor against taking more time is that the property may be sold to somebody else, and agents may remind you of that to close a sale. Even so, it is far better to act with care than to rush in and face nasty surprises after you move in.

    Any questions?

    Seen it twice? Find out what the viewings could not show you.

    Our surveys are carried out by Professionally qualified surveyors and give buyers a clear picture of a property's condition. Findings help you negotiate on price, plan for the future, and commit to a purchase with confidence.

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