Viewing checklist

You're probably going to be looking at several homes when you buy, so it's a good idea to make a list of standard questions that will help you compare them and make sure you don't forget anything. Here's our quick viewing checklist for buyers.

About the area

• How good are the transport links? This is a key question for most of us, whether it's a tube station that gets you to work or an easy hop to the motorway for driving out of London.
• Where are the nearest shops?
• If you have children, what are local schools like?

Things to look out for

• Is the building generally in good condition?
• Are there any signs of damp?
• Are windows in good condition?
• Are there enough power points?
• How secure is it? If there's a back garden, how is it accessed?
• How much will you want to redecorate? Factor this into your costs.
• Which way do the windows face? A room facing east will have sun in the morning but not in the evening; a south facing room will get more light than a north facing one.
• Is there enough storage space? A big room might look much smaller with a free standing wardrobe in it.
• Are there any awkwardly shaped rooms?
• How noisy is it?

Things to find out

• What fixtures and fittings are included in the price? Some sellers will take everything with them, right down to the light bulbs.
• Why is the seller moving out?
• When does the seller want to move?
• Is it leasehold or freehold?
• If it's leasehold, how much are the ground rent and service charges?
• How much is the local council tax?
• If you drive, what's the parking situation? How much will a resident's permit cost?
• Who are the neighbours?
• Have the owners had any building work done? Is it still under guarantee?
• If you're viewing a flat, is there any work planned on the building as a whole? How much will you have to pay for this?
• If there are communal areas (like staircases, corridors or gardens), who maintains them and are they kept neat and tidy?