House hunting is exciting but, before you rush off to view the latest listing, it’s important to be prepared.
Viewing a property isn’t just about getting a feel for the space – it’s an opportunity to assess whether this could be your next home or investment.
At Lang Town & Country, we’ve helped countless buyers find their perfect property in Plymouth, and one thing we always recommend is preparation. Doing a little groundwork before your viewing can help you make confident decisions and avoid wasting time on houses that don’t quite fit your needs.
So, before you step through the door of your potential new home, make sure you’ve ticked off these five essential steps.
1. Get your finances in order
There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a property in Plymouth, only to realise it’s out of reach financially. Before you start viewing, take the time to understand what you can afford. That means:
- Setting a budget: Work out how much you can comfortably spend, factoring in mortgage repayments, deposit requirements, and additional costs like stamp duty, solicitor fees, and moving expenses.
- Speaking to a mortgage advisor: If you need a mortgage, getting an Agreement in Principle (AIP) from a lender will give you a clear idea of what you can borrow and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. This is something that Lang Town & Country can help you with.
- Considering hidden costs: Some properties might need renovation or have high service charges (for leasehold properties). Be realistic about what you can afford both upfront and in the long run.
Sorting your finances in advance means that when you do find the perfect home, you can move quickly with an offer.
2. Research the area
A property might be perfect, but is the location right for you? Before you book a viewing, do some research into the surrounding area to make sure it meets your needs. Drive around the area beforehand and get a feel for it.
- Check local amenities: Look at nearby shops, restaurants, parks, and medical facilities. Do they suit your lifestyle?
- Look at transport links: Consider your daily commute and access to public transport. If you drive, is there parking or easy access to main roads?
- Visit at different times: Areas can feel very different in the morning, afternoon, and evening. A quiet street in the day might be busy at night.
- Check crime rates and schools: If you have children (or are planning to), looking at local school ratings is key. Crime statistics can also give you an idea of the area’s safety.
Doing this research beforehand can save you time – if the area doesn’t work for you, there’s probably no point in viewing the property in Plymouth.
3. Read the property listing carefully
It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people skim through property details without paying close attention.
A thorough read of the listing can help you spot any red flags and ensure the home meets your criteria.
- Look beyond the photos: As estate agents, we pride ourselves on excellent photography and videography to showcase and market properties, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also read our descriptions to understand more about the layout, room sizes, and key features. If there is a video, watch it! They are filmed to help you find the right property without wasting your or anyone else’s time. It takes three minutes to watch a video and up to one hour to view it. Those three minutes could save you time, and petrol!
- Check for “deal-breakers”: Is the garden the right size? Is parking available? Is it leasehold or freehold?
- Understand what’s included: Some listings will mention if white goods, fitted wardrobes, or garden sheds are included in the sale.
If something isn’t clear from the listing, ask our property experts before booking a viewing.
4. Prepare a list of questions
When you’re viewing a property in Plymouth, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics and forget to ask important questions. Having a list prepared in advance ensures you don’t miss anything crucial.
Some key questions to ask include:
- Why is the owner selling? – This can give you an insight into any issues with the property or area.
- How long has it been on the market? – If a home has been sitting unsold for months, there may be a reason.
- Has the property had any major work done? – If renovations have been carried out, check they have the correct planning permissions and building regulations approval.
- What are the running costs? – Ask about council tax bands, utility costs, and any maintenance fees if it’s a flat.
- What are the neighbours like? – A good relationship with neighbours can make a huge difference to your living experience.
Jot down any other questions specific to your needs and bring them with you to the viewing – we’re happy to answer anything you wish!
5. Be clear on your priorities
Before stepping into a property, take a moment to clarify what really matters to you. It’s easy to be swayed by stylish décor or a beautifully staged home, but what are your non-negotiables?
Things to consider include:
- Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: Do you need a certain number of bedrooms? A south-facing garden? Off-road parking? Be clear on your “deal-breakers”.
- Future-proofing: If you’re planning to stay long-term, think about whether the property will meet your needs in five or ten years.
- Resale potential: Even if this is your ‘forever home,’ it’s wise to consider whether the property will hold its value and appeal to future buyers.
Knowing what you truly want from a property in Plymouth will help you stay focused and avoid making an emotional decision based on first impressions.
Ready to start viewing property in Plymouth?
Taking these five steps before viewing a property in Plymouth can make all the difference. By getting your finances sorted, researching the area, reading the listing thoroughly, preparing questions, and being clear on your priorities, you’ll be in the best position to find the right home.
At Lang Town & Country, we’re here to guide you through every step of your property journey. If you’re ready to start viewing homes or need expert advice on buying, get in touch with our friendly team today.
Plymouth Sales – 01752 256000 / Property@langtownandcountry.com
Plymstock Sales – 01752 456000 / plymstock@langtownandcountry.com
Waterside – 01752 200909 / Waterside@langtownandcountry.com
Lettings – 01752 201010 / enquiries@langtownandcountry.com
Land & New Homes – 01752 278499 / newhomes@langtownandcountry.com
