Buying your first home? It’s important to make sure that dream home is actually that, a dream instead of a nightmare. We’ve all hear the horror stories, so here’s a quick guide to ensure you don’t have sleepless nights in your new home!
Whether you’re walking into your dream flat or a “needs-a-bit-of-love” terrace, this guide will help you stay focused, ask the right questions, and avoid costly surprises.
Let’s break it all down 
What Should You Check When Viewing a House?
When you’re buying your first home, it’s tempting to fall in love with stylish kitchens or cosy bedrooms. But now’s the time to look past the surface.
Here’s what to check in every room:
- Damp or mould? Use your nose as much as your eyes, musty smells could mean hidden issues.
- Cracks in walls or ceilings? Anything wide enough to slide a 10p coin into needs a closer look.
- Windows and doors: Do they open properly? Are they double or triple glazed?
- Light switches and sockets: Test them! Check how many sockets are in each room and where they’re placed.
- Water pressure: Run the taps and flush the loo. Does hot water come through quickly?
- Storage: Is there anywhere to stash your vacuum, coats, or your “I’ll-sell-it-one-day” boxes?
- Boiler & heating: Ask how old the boiler is and whether it’s been serviced regularly.
Even small fixes can add up, and when you’re buying your first home, every penny counts.
Your Step-by-Step House Viewing Checklist
Bring a notebook (or your phone) and run through this simple checklist while you view:
- Outside first – Check the condition of the roof, brickwork, fascias, and gutters. Any loose tiles or cracked render?
- Inside – Look at window frames, electrics, plumbing, flooring, and decor. Watch for any signs of DIY disasters.
- Kitchen – Are appliances included? What’s the water pressure like? Enough space for your fridge or a dining table?
- Bathroom – Is the sealant mould-free? Is there an extractor fan? How’s the shower pressure?
- Bedrooms & storage – Is there space for your bed and wardrobe? Enough plug sockets?
- Garden & parking – Which way does the garden face (south gets more sun)? Is there off-street parking or a permit scheme?
Pro tip: Take photos or videos (with permission) to jog your memory later, after the third viewing, they’ll all blur into one.
Top Tips for Viewing a House as a First-Time Home Buyer
- Don’t rush. Try to view the property more than once, ideally at different times of day. What’s peaceful at 10am might be a commuter’s nightmare at 6pm.
- Bring a friend. Especially someone with building know-how if possible. A second pair of eyes always helps.
- Stay cool. It’s easy to fall head over heels, but try to stay objective. Notice red flags, not just the cool kitchen tiles.
- Trust your senses. Strange smells, suspiciously fresh paint, or rugs covering dodgy floorboards? Be curious.
- Check the neighbourhood. Are the local shops nearby? What’s the parking like on a Saturday night? Are you under a flight path?
Viewing a Flat: Extra Things to Check
Flats come with a few bonus questions. If you’re buying your first home and it’s a flat, make sure you ask:
- Leasehold or share of freehold? If leasehold, how many years are left?
- Service charges and ground rent? And when are they likely to increase?
- Communal areas? Are they clean and well maintained?
- Outdoor space? If there is any, is it shared?
- Noise levels? Can you hear your neighbours?
- Other residents? Are they owners or renters?
Also, check who the managing agent is and whether there’s a residents’ committee — both can affect how well the building is looked after.
Ask the Estate Agent About These Things
Estate agents might not volunteer every detail, so don’t be shy. Ask:
- What’s included in the sale (white goods, curtains, blinds)?
- What are the average utility bills?
- Are there any existing planning permissions or potential to extend?
- When was the boiler last serviced?
- Are there any flood risks or a history of damp?
- Who did recent renovation work — and is there a warranty?
- What’s the broadband speed and mobile signal like?
- What are the neighbours like?
- Has the property had many offers or been on the market long?
Remember: when you’re buying your first home, there are no silly questions, just the ones that cost you money if you don’t ask them.
Final Thoughts
DriftHome is designed to make finding your dream home so much easier, but when it comes to viewing it, these tips will help make sure it’s everything you hoped for.
With DriftHome, you don’t need to scroll endlessly through listings that don’t match your vibe. Our AI-powered platform learns your preferences, from location and style to price and layout, and shows you homes that genuinely fit your life. No filler, no fluff, just properties worth seeing.
And once you’ve found “the one”? Use this checklist to go in with confidence and make sure it lives up to the hype.
Because buying your first home should feel exciting, not stressful.
