Illustrative photography · Unsplash. Not a client property or transaction.
Use the same questions at every viewing
A consistent checklist makes homes easier to compare after several visits. Start with layout, ventilation, natural light, noise, condition, and the practical use of each room. Record what you observed and what still needs an answer. The most memorable feature should not crowd out the rest of the assessment.
Look at the development around the unit
Walk the routes you would use to enter, leave, park, or reach transport. Ask about current management charges and relevant property information through the appropriate checks. A unit’s renovation can change your first impression, while the broader development and location will continue to shape everyday life after the viewing.
Distinguish questions from assurances
When an answer matters to your decision, note where it came from and how it can be confirmed. Ask your agent and conveyancing professionals to explain their scope. CEA publishes consumer guidance and standard checklists for private residential resale transactions; these are useful starting points for an organised discussion.
Compare the cost of making it your home
Separate cosmetic preferences from work needed for your intended use. Obtain appropriate advice and quotations for significant works rather than relying on a casual estimate during a viewing. Add the likely time and accommodation implications to the budget, especially when your sale and next purchase are closely linked.
Decide with the full file in front of you
Bring together your viewing notes, unresolved checks, financing position, and intended timeline. Compare two or three realistic options rather than an endless stream of listings. A Property Health Check can help connect the property comparison to your household’s goals without turning an attractive presentation into an automatic decision.
Go to the source
CEA · Buying or selling: agreements and consumer checklists ↗General planning information, prepared on 30 October 2026. Rules and individual circumstances can change. Verify current requirements with the relevant authority and your lender before making commitments.