House viewing checklist

Look along the roof from across the street for a dipping ridge, slipped or missing tiles, or patched areas.

Check the chimney stack is upright, with sound pointing and flashing where it meets the roof.

Ask: Are the chimneys still in use, and when were they last swept?

Walk round the walls looking for cracks, especially diagonal ones running from the corners of windows and doors.

Look for crumbling pointing, cracked or hollow-sounding render and damp patches on the outside walls.

Check gutters and downpipes for leaks, plants growing out of them and staining on the wall below.

Look at where the walls meet the ground. Soil, paths or patios should not be built up high against the brickwork.

Check window frames for rot or flaking paint, and double glazing for misting between the panes.

Notice any drain smells or standing water near the house, and lift a drain cover if you are allowed to.

Check where you would park, and whether the street needs a residents' permit.

Ask: Is there allocated parking, and is the street in a permit scheme?

For homes that are: built before about 1920

Look for cement render, cement pointing or plastic paint on old brick or stone walls.

For homes that are: in a flood risk area

Look for flood doors, barrier fittings, covers for air bricks or raised electrics.

Notice any musty smell as you walk in.

Look at the bottom of walls, the corners of ceilings and behind furniture for tide marks, peeling paper, blistered paint or black mould.

Check windows and frames for heavy condensation or black mould in the corners.

Look up. Brown stains, bulges or cracks in ceilings can point to a leak from above.

Walk across each floor and notice any that feel springy, slope noticeably or creak badly.

Open and close a few windows and doors, and check the locks work.

Count the sockets in each room. Old round-pin sockets, brown switches or cables running along the walls suggest the wiring is old.

Measure the rooms that matter to you and check how much daylight they get.

Check your mobile signal in a few rooms.

Look for space for everyday things: coats, a vacuum cleaner, bikes and bins.

For homes that are: new build

Check the finish: paintwork, sealant, tiling, and that doors and windows close properly.

For homes that are: built before about 1920

Check the original features you care about are still there: fireplaces, sash windows, cornicing.

For homes that are: in a flood risk area

On the ground floor, look for tide marks, new skirting boards or fresh plaster low on the walls.

For homes that are: in a coal mining area

Look closely for cracks around windows and doors, and for doors or windows that stick.

Run the hot and cold taps. Note the water pressure and how long hot water takes to arrive.

Open the cupboard under the sink and look for leaks, swollen boards or mould.

Check there is an extractor fan or cooker hood that takes steam outside.

Open a few cupboards and drawers, and look at the condition of the units and worktops.

Note which appliances you are expecting to stay.

Ask: Which appliances, fittings and furniture are included in the sale?

Turn on the shower and check the pressure and that it runs hot.

Run the basin and bath for a minute and watch how quickly they drain.

Look at the sealant and grout round the bath and shower for gaps or black mould.

Check there is a working extractor fan or a window that opens.

If the bathroom is upstairs, look at the ceiling of the room below it for stains.

Find the boiler and note its make and age. There is often a label on it.

Ask: When was the boiler last serviced, and is there a service history?

If the heating is on, feel whether the radiators are warm all over.

Look at the fuse box. A modern consumer unit has switches rather than fuse wire.

Ask: When was the wiring last tested by an electrician?

Find the water stopcock and the gas and electricity meters.

Ask: Is the water supply metered?

Ask what the energy bills have been over the last year.

Ask: What were the gas and electricity bills over the last 12 months?

If there is a hot water cylinder, check it has an insulation jacket or factory-applied foam.

For homes that are: built before about 1920

Look at the water pipe beside the stopcock. A lead pipe is dull grey and soft, and shows silver if lightly scratched.

For homes that are: electric or storage heating

Check the age and controls of any storage heaters.

If you can look in the loft, check the depth of insulation between and over the joists.

Look for daylight through the roof, wet or stained timbers, and droppings.

If the loft has been converted, note how it is reached and how it is used.

Ask: Was the loft conversion signed off under building regulations?

For homes that are: flat or maisonette

Look at the shared hallways, stairs, windows, roof and bin store.

For homes that are: flat or maisonette

Notice where the neighbours' rooms are and listen for noise through floors and walls.

Notice whether the garden is waterlogged or the lawn is soggy.

Note any large trees close to the house.

Look along the boundaries for Japanese knotweed: tall stems like bamboo with shovel-shaped leaves.

Ask: Has there ever been Japanese knotweed on or near the property?

Check the state of fences and walls, and which side looks after which.

Ask: Which boundaries belong to this house, and have there been any disputes with neighbours?

Check the condition of sheds, garages and other outbuildings.

Note which way the garden and main rooms face. Your phone's compass will tell you.

Note any extension, conservatory or converted garage.

Ask: Were planning permission and building regulations approval obtained for the work?

For homes that are: listed or in a conservation area

Note any trees you might want to cut back.

For homes that are: oil, lpg or a septic tank

If the heating runs on oil or LPG, look at the condition of the tank and where it sits.

Ask: How old is the fuel tank, and who supplies the fuel?

Come back at a different time of day, such as rush hour or a weekend evening.

Listen for traffic, trains, aircraft and neighbours, with a window open.

Try your commute from the house at the time you would really travel.

Check the walk to the shops, transport and any schools you would use.

Look up the broadband speeds available at the postcode.

Why are the owners selling, and how long have they lived there?

How long has it been on the market, and has the price changed?

Is there a chain, and have the sellers found somewhere to buy?

Has a sale fallen through, and why?

What work has been done, and is there paperwork for it?

Any insurance claims for flood, subsidence or storm damage?

Which council tax band is it in?

Is there anything you should know before you offer?

For homes that are: flat or maisonette

How many years are left on the lease?

For homes that are: flat or maisonette

What are the service charge and ground rent, and how have they changed?

For homes that are: flat or maisonette

Are major works planned for the building?

For homes that are: flat or maisonette

Who manages the building?

For homes that are: flat or maisonette

If the building has cladding or several storeys, what fire safety information is there?

For homes that are: new build

Which warranty covers the home, and for how long?

For homes that are: new build

Is there an estate charge for roads and green spaces?

For homes that are: new build

Does the developer follow the New Homes Quality Code?

For homes that are: listed or in a conservation area

Were replacement windows, doors or extensions approved?

For homes that are: in a flood risk area

Has it flooded, and what does buildings insurance cost?

For homes that are: electric or storage heating

Is there a two-rate meter, and what are the bills?

For homes that are: oil, lpg or a septic tank

If there is a septic tank or treatment plant, when was it last emptied?

For homes that are: in a coal mining area

Has there ever been a mining subsidence claim?