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Lessons I've learned from investment property viewings

Sarah Hannaford

CREATED BY SARAH HANNAFORD

Published: 09/09/2026 @ 09:00AM

#PropertyInvestment #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentPropertyViewing #Homeownership #BuildingKnowledge

As I keep building my knowledge and experience in property investment, I'm learning that there's a big difference between looking around a house as a potential homeowner and carrying out an investment property viewing ...

Investment property viewings have taught me valuable lessons about location, market trends, and potential ROI

Investment property viewings have taught me valuable lessons about location, market trends, and potential ROI

When it's somewhere you might live yourself, it's easy to be distracted by whether you like the kitchen or can imagine your furniture in the lounge. As an investor, I'm learning to look at things very differently.

Each investment property viewing is teaching me
to take the emotion out of the decision!

A property doesn't necessarily have to be somewhere I'd personally choose to live. What matters is whether it works for the people who might rent it, whether the numbers make sense, and whether any work required can be justified by the potential return.

One of my biggest lessons has been to look beyond what's immediately visible. Fresh paint and nice flooring can make a strong first impression, but I'm becoming much more interested in what might be hiding underneath.

Damp, ageing boilers, windows, electrics, roofing, and general maintenance can quickly turn an apparently attractive investment into an expensive project.

I've also learned that viewing an investment property isn't just about the building itself. The surrounding area matters enormously. I'm looking at transport links, shops, parking, and other amenities, while also thinking about the kind of tenant who might want to live there. I'm starting to see properties as part of a much bigger picture rather than simply judging what's inside the front door.

Another lesson is the importance of asking questions!

Why is the owner selling? How long has the property been on the market? Has the price already been reduced? What work has been completed? The answers may not necessarily change my decision, but they can help me build a much clearer picture.

I'm also finding that taking notes and photographs during an investment property viewing is very useful. After viewing several properties, the details can quickly start to blur together. Having something to refer back to makes comparing opportunities much easier.

Perhaps most importantly, I'm learning that walking away is part of investing too. A property can be perfectly nice and still not be the right investment. I'm becoming more comfortable recognising that instead of trying to make every opportunity fit.

With every investment property viewing, I'm becoming more confident about what to notice, what to ask and what deserves further investigation. I still have plenty to learn, but that's part of what makes this journey so interesting.

Each viewing gives me another little piece of experience to take into the next one.

Until next time ...

SARAH HANNAFORD

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Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about investment property viewing, then do feel free to call me on 07434 287603 or connect with me on LinkedIn, and let's see how I can help you.

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#PropertyInvestment #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentPropertyViewing #Homeownership #BuildingKnowledge

About Sarah Hannaford ...

Sarah Hannaford 

What if I could give you time back to do the things you love doing? I have been working in Admin based roles for almost 20 years in various different sectors and levels. My passion for doing paperwork and organizing 'office spaces' makes me a really useful tool for you to have in your corner! 

My goal is to provide the best quality service to all my clients, making their lives easier and giving them back freedom to grow their business.

Let me handle your admin needs so you can thrive! ❤️


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