Questions Every Buyer Should Ask at a Viewing

House viewings can be pretty overwhelming. You’re taking in the sights, picturing your life there, and comparing it with everywhere else you’ve seen. With time tight and other viewers waiting to take their turn, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget the things you really wanted to know. So, before you step through the door, make sure you’re prepared with questions that matter, from the practical to the easily overlooked, here’s what to ask.  

How Long Has the Property Been on the Market?

This question is a pretty crucial one for building a picture of the property’s story. A home that’s just been listed might attract plenty of interest, so may mean you have to move quickly, whereas one that’s been on the market for a while could give you more room to negotiate.  

It’s also worth asking whether there have been any previous offers or changes to the asking price. There’s often a perfectly ordinary explanation, such a buyer’s chain collapsing, or the seller adjusting to market conditions, but knowing the background helps you make a well-informed decision.  

How Much Interest Has There Been So Far?

A great follow-up is to ask how much interest the property has already generated, such as how many viewings there have been, are there second viewings booked or offers already on the table? This is useful for two reasons: finding out what competition you might be up against and understanding how much urgency there is around making an offer.  

Why Are the Sellers Moving?

Most people move for everyday reasons, whether it’s needing more space, relocating for work, or downsizing once the kids have flown the nest. Asking why the sellers are moving can tell you a lot about how motivated they are, and how flexible they might be on price or timings.  

It can also be a great opportunity to hear what they’ve loved about living there, which often gives you a more personal feel for the home.  

How Much Are the Running Costs?

Your mortgage only tells part of the story. It’s important to understand the property’s running costs too, so you can factor them into your overall budget and get a clearer picture of what it could really cost to live there. 

Ask about the council tax band, typical energy bills, and the EPC rating. If it’s a leasehold property, check what the service charge and ground rent are too.  

Have There Been Any Recent Renovations or Repairs?

It’s also worth finding out what work has been carried out on the property recently. This can give you a better idea of what’s been updated, what might still need attention, and whether there are any additional costs to factor into your budget. 

If there has been work done, ask whether it came with any guarantees, warranties, or building regulations sign-off.  

What’s Included in the Sale?

It’s easy to assume that everything you see during a viewing comes with the property, but that isn’t always the case. Ask what’s included in the sale, from appliances and light fittings to curtains and other fixtures, so you know exactly what you’re getting. 

The seller will confirm this formally later on in a fixtures and fittings form, but asking early means no surprises further down the line.  

There's plenty to consider when buying a property, particularly if you're new to the process. If you're looking in Fulham, our First-Time Buyers Guide to Fulham covers the key stages, from getting your finances in order to finding the right property.  

What Are the Neighbours and Local Area Like?

A home is about more than its four walls, so it’s worth asking about the street and the wider area too. What are the neighbours like? Is it a quiet road, or busier at certain times of day? How handy are local schools, shops, parks and transport links?  

It's also worth getting a feel for different neighbourhoods before deciding where to buy. If you're exploring different parts of West London, take a look at our individual area guides to discover more about neighbourhoods including Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith, Holland Park, Parsons Green, Shepherd's Bush and Southfields.  

What’s the Seller’s Timeline?

Understanding the seller’s timeline can give you a better idea of how quickly things might need to move if you decide to make an offer. Have they already found their next home? Are they part of a chain? Are they looking for a quick sale? Knowing where they are in the process can help you understand the potential timescales and whether they align with your own plans. 

Taking the time to ask these questions can make a big difference. You’ll leave the viewing with a clearer idea of whether the property is right for you, and hopefully feel more confident if you decide to take the next step.  

Looking to Buy a New Home?

Our team at Lawsons & Daughters has helped hundreds of buyers find their next home. We know what to look for, what questions to ask and how best to navigate the process. Call us on 020 8563 0202 or fill out our enquiry form to start your search. We’d love to help you find the right property for you.  

If you're also planning to sell, take a look at our guide to selling your home to find out what to expect from the process.  

Lawsons & Daughters 
Experts in property. Part of the community. 

[Published: 26 October 2026]