The viewing checklist

The building and the outside

• Roof, gutters and façade: cracks, damp patches, loose render
• Shared areas: entrance, stairs and lift in good repair
• Signs of recent or planned works: scaffolding, notices from the owners' community
• Parking and storage: where exactly, and are they included
• Rubbish and recycling: where the bins are, and how far

Inside

• Damp: smell, stains, bubbling paint, mould behind furniture and in wardrobes
• Windows: open and close each one, check seals and condensation
• Floors: soft spots, cracked tiles, uneven areas
• Doors: do they close properly (a sign of movement in the building)
• Storage: wardrobes, kitchen cupboards, room for suitcases
• Phone signal in every room

Water, power and comfort

• Water pressure: run the shower and a tap at the same time
• Hot water: how it is heated, and how old the boiler or tank is
• Heating: type, age, and last year's bills
• Air conditioning: which rooms, how old, does it work
• Electrics: modern fuse box, enough sockets, no loose wiring
• Energy certificate rating, and what it means for bills
• Internet: fibre available in the building

Light, noise and the street

• Which way the main rooms face, and the light at different times
• Noise with the windows open: traffic, bars, flight paths, building sites
• Neighbours: holiday lets in the building or next door
• Views that could be blocked: empty plots nearby
• Walk the street at night and at the weekend before you commit

• Why is the owner selling, and how long has it been on the market?
• What is included: furniture, appliances, parking, storage?
• What are the yearly property tax and community fees?
• Are any building works approved or coming up?
• Is everything built and licensed as it appears?
• Is the home let, or will it be empty at completion?
• Are there any offers already?
• When could completion happen?
• Who pays the agent's fee?

• Land registry extract
• Energy certificate
• Last property tax and community fee receipts
• Minutes of the last owners' meetings
• Floor plan with measurements