5 Things to Look For When Viewing A Property

Viewing a property for the first time can be exciting, but it’s also easy to feel like you’re intruding on someone’s private home. With home buying such a significant financial decision, it’s crucial to take your time and examine the elements that really matter. A good viewing isn’t about rushing from room to room; it’s about taking a careful, informed look at the condition, layout, and potential of the home you might buy.

We’ve been helping property buyers across Finchley, Hendon, and Mill Hill navigate property viewings for more than 20 years. We know exactly what to look out for and what issues can become costly surprises later. We can answer many of your property buying questions.

Check for Signs of Damp and Mould

Damp is one of the most common issues found during property viewings, and also one of the easiest to miss if you rush. Damp can lead to mould, unpleasant odours, and, in some cases, health concerns, particularly for people with asthma or allergies.

How to spot damp:

• A musty smell as soon as you enter a room
• Flaky, bubbling or discoloured plaster
• Dark or yellow patches on walls or ceilings
• Black mould around windowsills, corners or skirting boards

Pay particular attention to:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Rooms with external walls
• Areas behind furniture

If you’re unsure, ask if the property has had any recent damp treatments or a professional inspection. You can also consult the GOV.UK’s wet and mould guidance for more information.

Assess the Condition of Windows and Door Frames

Windows and doors significantly impact things like energy efficiency, noise levels, safety, and future maintenance costs. Poor window condition can signal deeper issues, such as structural movement or insufficient ventilation.

What to look for:

• Do the windows open and close smoothly?
• Do the locks work?
• Are there cracks in the frames?
• Is the wood starting to rot?
• Is there condensation between double-glazed panes? (A sign the seal has failed.)

Double glazing that’s in good condition can significantly reduce heating costs, with the Energy Saving Trust estimating notable savings on annual bills. It also affects noise insulation, which is a crucial factor in areas near busy London roads or transport hubs.

Test the Plumbing and Heating System

Plumbing issues can become costly, so it’s sensible to carry out basic checks during your viewing. Water pressure, drainage speed and boiler condition all form part of the bigger picture.

Checklist:

• Run taps in the kitchen and bathrooms - does the water drain quickly?
• Flush toilets - do they refill properly?
• Ask about the age and last service date of the boiler
• Check radiators for cold spots
• Inspect pipes for insulation (especially in older properties)
• Look for lead pipes - these are outdated and should be replaced

You can also ask whether the central heating system is controlled via a modern, efficient programmer or smart thermostat.

If the property uses a gravity-fed hot water system with the tank located in the loft, it may be older and less energy-efficient than modern combi boilers. This might influence both comfort and future upgrade costs.

Evaluate Storage Space (You’ll Always Need More Than You Think)

Storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of a property viewing, until you move in and realise you have nowhere to put the ironing board, vacuum cleaner or spare bedding. Older period properties across North London often have more built-in storage than newer builds, but it varies significantly.

Look for:

• Built-in wardrobes
• Hallway cupboards
• Eaves storage (in loft rooms)
• Utility cupboards
• Pantry or larder space
• Under-stairs storage

Think practically about your lifestyle. Do you have bikes, prams, sports equipment, or bulky seasonal items? Visualise where these might live.

Listen Carefully - Noise Levels Matter More Than You Think

During any viewing, take a minute to stand still and simply listen. Noise can significantly impact your quality of life, particularly in London, where traffic, transportation routes, and flight paths all contribute to the issue.

Pay attention to:

• Noise from busy roads
• Aircraft noise
• Trains or bus routes nearby
• Neighbouring properties
• Thin internal walls
• Creaking floorboards

Good-quality glazing can significantly reduce external noise, but it’s still essential to experience the property’s natural acoustic environment first-hand.

Local Knowledge Matters

Property viewings can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what’s normal and what’s a red flag. That’s why working with a local estate agent makes such a difference. At Squires Estates, our teams in Finchley, Hendon, and Mill Hill possess a deep local understanding of the housing stock, common property issues, schools, transportation, and community features. We offer honest and practical advice, and our near-perfect customer reviews back our long-standing reputation.

Thinking About Your Next Move? We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re buying your first home or searching for more space, our experienced teams can help you identify the right property and guide you through every stage of the process. Our clients consistently achieve around 98% of the asking price on completed sales, which reflects our strong marketing, negotiation, and personalised service. Get in touch today for more info!