Published: Friday 23rd May, 2025

10 things estate agents say you should always check on a home viewing

When you're walking around a house that looks perfect on the surface, it's easy to miss the stuff that could come back to bite you later — like hidden damp, ancient electrics, or a boiler that's ready to give up the ghost.

To help buyers avoid common mistakes, we spoke to a handful of the most experienced estate agents we know — the ones who’ve walked thousands of buyers through thousands of homes. Here's what they told us are the 10 things you should always check when viewing a property.

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1. Don’t leave without asking about the boiler

This was the top tip from every agent we spoke to. A tired or poorly serviced boiler can be one of the most expensive surprises after moving in.

Ask how old it is, what type (combi, system, or regular), and when it was last serviced. Look for paperwork if possible. If they can’t show a recent service record, it may not have been looked after — which could cost you later.

Read more about the benefits of regular boiler servicing here.

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2. Run the taps — and flush the loo

Estate agents told us that very few buyers actually check the water pressure — and that’s a mistake. It tells you a lot.

Run a few taps, especially upstairs, flush the toilet, and turn the shower on. If the water just dribbles out or the flush barely does its job, you might be dealing with poor plumbing or low pressure, which is expensive and annoying to fix.

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3. Look up at the ceilings — and not just for pretty lights

Several agents mentioned the importance of checking ceilings for stains, sagging, or patchy paint. These can be signs of old leaks or ongoing damp issues.

Pay extra attention around chimney breasts, bay windows, and corners of rooms. Don’t be distracted by a fresh coat of paint — ask why it was needed.

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4. Check the condition of the windows (and not just how clean they are)

A few estate agents said this is something buyers almost always overlook. Open and close a few windows. Check for stiff handles, cold drafts, or signs of blown double glazing (foggy patches between the panes).

Replacing windows isn’t cheap — and dodgy seals can cause higher heating bills, mould problems, and endless condensation.

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5. Take a look at the fuse box

Another tip from the agents: take a moment to check out the fuse board. It’s usually near the front door or under the stairs.

If it looks ancient, with fuse wire and no trip switches, the property likely hasn’t been rewired in decades. That can be costly and disruptive to fix — especially if you’re planning a kitchen refit or new lighting.

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6. Smell for damp — don’t just look for it

One agent told us, “Your nose is one of the best tools when viewing a house.” And it’s true.

Damp has a very distinct smell — musty and slightly earthy. If every room is packed with air fresheners or windows are wide open in the middle of winter, be suspicious. Check behind furniture and inside under-stair cupboards too.

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7. Not all cracks are harmless — know what to look for

Hairline cracks in old plaster are normal. But cracks that are wide, diagonal, or near windows and doors might suggest structural movement.

One agent said they always recommend noting anything that looks worrying and pointing it out to your surveyor later. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem — but it’s something to keep in mind before you fall in love with the garden.

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8. Ask about the neighbours — and then trust your gut

A good estate agent will give you honest answers about the neighbourhood — but they’re also limited by what they legally have to say. So we recommend politely asking things like:

• Are the neighbours homeowners or tenants?
• Has the seller had any issues with them?
• What’s the area like at night?

And after the viewing, come back in the evening or weekend to see for yourself. One agent said: “You’re not just buying the house — you’re buying the street.”

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9. Test your phone signal and ask about broadband speeds

This is a modern must. A few of the agents we spoke to said buyers are often surprised to find mobile blackspots or shockingly slow internet.

Take your phone out during the viewing and check signal in different rooms. Ask the seller or agent what broadband they use and if full fibre is available in the area.

Especially if you work from home or stream a lot, this can be a dealbreaker.

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10. Don’t get swept away by fancy candles and stylish throws

Every estate agent we spoke to said the same thing: staging is powerful — and often distracting.

Soft lighting, neutral colours, fresh coffee on the hob… it’s all designed to make you feel at home. But you need to look past the presentation and think practically.

Where’s the hoover going to live? Is there enough kitchen storage? Are there radiators behind the sofas they’ve “forgotten” to mention?

The best agents will tell you to ask awkward questions and look in cupboards — because no one wants a nasty surprise when they move in.

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Final Thought

Buying a home is exciting — and overwhelming. And while you can’t predict everything, the agents we spoke to all agree: being observant, asking questions, and not being afraid to poke around will help you make a smarter decision.

Remember: sellers want to show their home in the best light — and that’s fair enough. But it’s up to you to check that what’s underneath the surface lives up to the dream.

And once you do find the right home? Don’t forget to think ahead about protecting it. At OpenFix, we make it easy to avoid the stress of finding tradespeople for every little fault. One plan, one point of contact — and one less thing to worry about. Find out more here!