12 Essential Questions to Ask When Viewing a House

When you’re buying a home, the viewing process is more than just a walk-through. It’s your best opportunity to gather the information you need to make a smart, confident offer — and avoid costly surprises later.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move up the ladder, asking the right questions at a house viewing can help you:

Spot potential red flags
Strengthen your mortgage application
Speed up the buying process
Improve your negotiating position

Take the first step to your dream home

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Why is the property on the market?

Understanding the seller’s motivation can give you a strategic edge. Are they relocating? Downsizing? Hoping for a quick sale? If they’re in a hurry, they may be more open to negotiation which could impact how much mortgage you need to borrow.

2. How long has the property been listed?

If a home has been sitting on the market for a while, there may be issues with the price or condition. On the flip side, it might give you more room to negotiate or prompt you to dig deeper into the survey.

3. Have there been any previous offers and why didn’t they go through?

This can uncover problems that put off other buyers (e.g. survey findings, slow legal processes, or mortgage refusals). It also helps you understand how competitive your offer might need to be.

4. What’s included in the sale?

Fixtures and fittings aren’t always part of the deal. Clarify what’s staying like white goods, wardrobes and garden sheds to avoid surprises and help plan your budget alongside your mortgage.

New to mortgages? Read: How to get your first mortgage

5. Have there been any major repairs or renovations?

Ask when the work was done, whether it had the correct planning permission or Building Regs sign-off, and if guarantees are available. Unapproved or poor-quality work can lead to mortgage issues or delays.

6. Are there any known structural or damp issues?

Sellers are legally obligated to disclose serious problems but ask directly to be sure. Major defects can affect both your buying decision and your mortgage lender’s valuation.

Need help navigating all this? Learn more about what a mortgage advisor does

7. What is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating?

A low EPC can mean higher bills — and might also be an issue if you’re applying for a green mortgage or planning renovations. Ask about insulation, windows, boiler condition, and utility bills to build a full picture.

8. What are the average running costs?

From council tax to utilities, monthly outgoings should factor into your overall affordability. This can affect how much your mortgage lender is willing to offer or how comfortably you can manage repayments.

Helpful guide: How is mortgage interest calculated?

9. Is the property leasehold or freehold?

Leasehold properties come with extra costs like ground rent and service charges, which need to be factored into your budget and disclosed to your lender. Always ask about lease length and any restrictions.

OneDome is here to help

Choosing a mortgage is complex but OneDome is here to help. If you have any questions about the specifics of mortgages, the wider mortgage process or want tailored advice on the different types of mortgages that suit your situation you can:

Important: Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.