A property viewing is your best opportunity to gather intelligence before committing to a price. But most buyers don't know what to ask - and estate agents are not obliged to volunteer information. These 30 questions cover the areas that matter most: structure, services, legal status, and seller motivation.
Questions about the property's condition
1. Has the property ever had damp treatment?
If yes, when, and was a guarantee provided? Damp treatment guarantees are typically 10–20 years and are transferable to new owners.
2. How old is the roof?
A tiled roof typically lasts 40–60 years. If it's approaching that age, budget £5,000–£15,000 for replacement.
3. Has any structural work been done?
Underpinning, wall tie replacement, or lintel work — all indicate previous structural issues. Ask for documentation and building regulations sign-off.
4. When was the property last rewired?
Wiring over 25 years old is approaching the point where a rewire should be considered. Full rewiring costs £3,000–£8,000.
5. How old is the boiler?
Boilers over 15 years old are approaching end of life. Replacement costs £2,000–£4,000 installed.
6. Is the property double-glazed throughout?
Check for any single-glazed rooms or failed sealed units (condensation between panes).
7. Has there been any flooding or water ingress?
Check Environment Agency flood maps independently, but also ask the vendor directly.
8. Is there asbestos anywhere in the property?
Common in properties built before 1990, particularly in Artex ceilings, floor tiles, and garage roofing sheets.
Questions about extensions and alterations
9. Were any extensions built with planning permission?
Ask for evidence — permitted development has limits, and unpermitted extensions can create serious legal problems at sale.
10. Is there building regulations sign-off for all works?
Planning permission and building regs are different things. A loft conversion, for instance, needs both.
11. Was any work done during COVID?
Quality control issues were widespread during 2020–2021 due to supply chain problems and reduced oversight.
12. Has the loft been converted?
Check whether it has a completion certificate. An unconverted loft being used as a bedroom is a compliance issue.
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Questions about services and utilities
13. What type of heating does the property have?
Gas central heating is standard; electric storage heaters or oil-fired systems have different running costs and replacement implications.
14. Is the property connected to mains drainage?
Properties with septic tanks or cesspits have maintenance responsibilities and costs.
15. What is the broadband speed?
Check independently on Ofcom's broadband checker, but also ask the vendor about their actual experience.
16. Is there a gas supply?
Some rural properties rely on LPG or oil, which have different cost profiles and storage requirements.
17. Has the electrical installation been tested recently?
Ask for an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). Required for rental properties; increasingly expected in sales.
Questions about legal and ownership
18. Is the property freehold or leasehold?
If leasehold: how many years remain on the lease? What is the annual ground rent and service charge? Lease extension costs increase dramatically below 80 years.
19. Are there any restrictive covenants?
These can prevent extensions, commercial use, or even certain types of fencing. Your solicitor will check, but it's worth asking early.
20. Is the property in a conservation area?
This restricts what alterations you can make, including windows, doors, and external finishes.
21. Are there any disputes with neighbours?
Party wall issues, boundary disputes, or complaints — these must be disclosed but are worth asking about directly.
22. Is the property listed?
Listed buildings have strict rules on alterations. Even internal changes may require listed building consent.
Questions about the seller and the sale
23. Why are the sellers moving?
The answer tells you about urgency and potential negotiating room.
24. How long has the property been on the market?
Properties listed for more than 8–12 weeks often have sellers who are more open to negotiation.
25. Has the price been reduced?
Check Rightmove — it shows listing history. A price reduction signals that the original asking price was too high.
26. Have there been any previous offers that fell through?
And why? If a previous buyer pulled out after a survey, ask what the survey found.
27. What is included in the sale?
Fixtures, fittings, white goods, curtains — clarify before you offer to avoid surprises.
28. Is the seller in a chain?
A chain-free seller can complete faster and with less risk of the deal collapsing.
Questions to ask yourself after the viewing
29. Did anything feel like it was being hidden or glossed over?
Trust your instincts. If the agent steered you away from a room or dismissed a question, investigate further.
30. Would I buy this property at full asking price, knowing what I now know?
If not, what would need to change — and by how much?
What to do with the answers
Every answer is a data point. Issues identified at the viewing stage - before you've made an offer - can be factored into your opening price. That's a much stronger position than discovering problems after the survey and trying to renegotiate.
For a structured framework that helps you capture all of this during the viewing, see our guided viewing process. For a complete room-by-room checklist, see our house viewing checklist UK.
If you've already viewed and need help structuring a negotiation, our guide on negotiating after a survey covers the post-survey process step by step.
Free download
Take all 30 questions to your next viewing
Get the printable PDF checklist - grouped by theme, with quick-reference notes. Drop your email and we'll send it over.
About the author
Jag Singh is a Senior Quantity Surveyor with 18 years of experience across residential and commercial property. He founded KeyWise to help UK buyers spot the issues surveyors and estate agents won't always flag.