Viewing properties
Either can work well. An open day is useful when a property is newly launched and demand is strong, while an individual appointment can give you more time to explore a larger or more individual home. If you are seriously interested after an open day, a second private viewing is often worthwhile.
First decide whether the fundamentals work: location, layout, room sizes, light, garden, parking and overall condition. Look for obvious signs of damp, cracking or poor maintenance, but do not try to replace a professional survey with your own inspection.
Ask why the owners are moving, how long they have lived there, what is included, whether alterations have been made, the age of major installations and what the seller’s onward plans are. For flats, ask about lease length, service charges and management arrangements.
Not necessarily before offering in a competitive market, but a second viewing before you become legally committed is sensible. It allows you to look beyond the initial emotional reaction, check practical details and involve another family member or adviser if useful.
For a serious purchase, yes. Traffic, parking, aircraft or road noise and the general character of an area can change considerably between a weekday morning, evening and weekend. It is worth understanding the location as well as the house.
Not automatically. Many cracks are cosmetic and damp can have relatively simple causes, but both deserve investigation. If you remain interested, raise your concerns and make sure the surveyor understands what you have noticed.
Ask about the remaining lease term, service charge, ground rent where applicable, managing agent, reserve fund and any known major works. Also consider communal areas, parking, storage, noise and any restrictions that could affect how you want to use the property.
Not necessarily. There may be an entirely innocent reason, such as an earlier sale falling through. However, ask why it has not sold and consider whether price, condition or a legal issue has affected previous interest.
