What to check when viewing a home: the complete list
A viewing lasts 15 to 20 minutes. This list helps you see what matters: building, damp, noise, light, windows, water, electrics and the listing.
A viewing often lasts 15 to 20 minutes, with the landlord or agent beside you. That is very little time to decide where you will live for years. With a list, you will not forget what matters.
Use the SherlockHomes viewing checklist: on paper, as a PDF, or on your phone, where you tick the answers during the viewing.
1. Before you go in: the building and the street
- Condition of the facade, entrance and stairs. Large cracks, damp, rubbish?
- Lift: is there one and does it work? With small children or heavy shopping, a 4th floor without a lift matters a lot.
- The street: bars, restaurants, a bus stop or a school right outside?
- Key safes at the door or many changing names on the letterboxes can mean short-term rentals in the building.
2. Damp and mould
Ceiling corners, behind furniture, around windows, the bathroom ceiling, inside wardrobes. Be suspicious of fresh paint in one corner only. Read the guide to damp and mould.
3. Noise
Close the windows and listen. Then open them. Ask about the neighbours and the street at night. See the guide to noise.
4. Light and orientation
- Which way do the main windows face? South and west get more sun; north is cooler and darker.
- Are there buildings opposite blocking the light?
- If you view at night or on a dull day, ask about daylight.
5. Windows, cold and heating
- Double or single glazing? Do the frames close properly? Can you feel a draught?
- What heating is there: air conditioning, heaters, none?
- Ask for the energy certificate. It is mandatory for renting and selling. See the guide to energy certificates.
6. Water, plumbing and electrics
- Run the taps and the shower: is the pressure good? How long does hot water take?
- Flush the toilet. Look under the kitchen sink for leaks or stains.
- Fuse box: does it look recent? Enough sockets, including in the kitchen?
- Gas: mains or bottled?
7. Listing vs reality
Compare with the listing: size, number of rooms, appliances, furniture included. Wide-angle photos make small rooms look big. See the guide to reading listings.
8. Photos and notes
Photograph each room, the bathroom ceiling, the windows and any problem (no people or documents). After five viewings, homes blur together without photos and notes.
After the viewing
Compare the homes you visited side by side in your visit diary, and leave your review to help the next person. Stars are enough.