Property photographs can make almost any home look wonderful. Clever angles, bright lighting and a little creative furniture placement can make rooms appear bigger, brighter and more inviting than they really are ...
At a property viewing, I look beyond the photos for signs of damp, noise, natural light and how the space really feels"
But when I'm viewing a property, I'm looking beyond the photographs to understand what the home is actually like, how well it's been maintained and whether there might be any surprises waiting for a buyer.
The roof is one of the first things I look at!
Are there missing or slipped tiles? Do the gutters look secure and well maintained? Are there signs of sagging or previous repairs? You don't need to be a roofing expert to spot something that deserves a closer look.
Inside, I check the electrics and heating. An older consumer unit, dated sockets, or exposed wiring might suggest that improvements are needed. I also look at the boiler, radiators and heating controls. How old is the system? Has it been serviced regularly?
These are important questions, especially when you're trying to understand any potential future costs.
Damp is another thing photographs rarely reveal. Musty smells, peeling wallpaper, bubbling paint, or suspiciously fresh patches of decoration can all be worth investigating. Not every mark means there's a serious problem, but it's always better to ask questions than make assumptions.
Windows tell their own story, too. Do they open and close properly? Is there condensation between double-glazed panes? Are the frames in good condition? Replacing windows can be expensive, so their condition matters.
Then there's the layout!
A wide-angle photograph might make a bedroom look enormous, but will your furniture actually fit? Is there enough storage? Does the room layout work for everyday life? I always encourage buyers to think about how they'll genuinely use the space.
Outside, I look at the garden, boundaries, drainage and parking arrangements. Is the garden manageable? Is parking allocated, shared or simply available on the street? Are there signs of alterations or extensions that might need further investigation?
I'm also alert to signs of hidden work. Fresh plaster, boxed-in pipes, unusual floor levels or recently covered areas aren't necessarily problems, but they can prompt useful questions about what's been done and why.
A property viewing isn't just about falling in love with a home. It's about looking carefully, asking sensible questions and understanding what you're buying. A professional survey and appropriate checks are still essential.
But knowing what to look for can help you make a more informed, confident decision.
If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about 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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