What to Check During a Property Viewing

Look before entering

Notice the access road, parking, neighbouring buildings, noise and distance to the services you will actually use. Check the entrance, stairs, lifts, lighting and general maintenance of shared areas.

Inspect the home systematically

Move through the property in the same order each time so details are not missed.

• Walls, ceilings and signs of moisture
• Windows, doors, locks and balcony rails
• Water pressure, drainage and visible plumbing
• Electrical points, air-conditioning and ventilation
• Natural light, orientation and actual view
• Furniture and appliances included in the sale

Ask operational questions

Clarify water and electricity arrangements, maintenance, security, cleaning, beach or pool access and any restrictions on use or rental. Ask which costs are regular and which are one-time.

Record, then compare

Take permitted photos and short notes immediately. Avoid making the final comparison from memory. After the visit, separate cosmetic work from structural or administrative concerns and request answers in writing.

Inspect the building, not just the apartment

The entrance, stairs, lift, roof, external walls and service areas reveal how the building is managed. Look for water marks, exposed wiring, damaged finishes and blocked access. Ask how common maintenance is organised, which costs are shared and whether any major work is expected.

Visit the immediate street as well. Daytime activity can hide evening noise, difficult parking or limited lighting. If the property is for holidays or rental, imagine a first-time guest finding the building and accessing it with luggage.

Test what cannot be improved easily

Paint and furniture can change; orientation, room proportions, neighbouring buildings and access usually cannot. Check whether doors open comfortably, wardrobes can fit, bedrooms offer privacy and the balcony is genuinely usable. Stand at each window and consider the possibility of future construction nearby.

Record the electricity and water setup, air-conditioning condition and hot-water system. Ask what remains in the sale and photograph agreed items. A calm second viewing is often more valuable than a fast decision after the first.

Turn the guidance into a decision

Keep three short lists as you investigate: what has been confirmed in a document, what has been observed during a viewing and what still depends on an answer. This prevents an attractive feature or urgent deadline from hiding an unresolved point. The list should identify the exact property or unit, because a general statement about an area or project may not apply to the home you are considering.

When two options appear close, compare them under the same headings: location, usable layout, current condition, document position, complete cost, ongoing management and the timing of possession. Give greater weight to facts that are difficult to change. Furniture can be replaced; access, orientation, surrounding development and contractual obligations usually cannot.

Before any reservation or major payment, read your notes again and ask for updated written confirmation of price, availability and the terms that matter to your decision. A good purchase should remain understandable when the initial excitement has passed. If a legal, financial or tax point affects your circumstances, obtain appropriate independent advice before signing.