Checklist property viewing

You can obtain the prospectus by speaking with the estate agent responsible for the sale of the property, or typically in the property listing online.

Read through carefully and become well acquainted with the property you are going to view. Read the entire sales document thoroughly; the estate agent's description of the property, the condition report from the surveyor, and the seller's declaration are particularly important to read.

Check risk disclosures thoroughly, or make a written reservation that the seller covers the cost of rectifying any defects.

Take a look inside the fuse box. Ask the owner to provide documentation that the electrical system has been inspected.

When was it last replaced or upgraded?

Was the work carried out by a qualified electrician?

Anyone who is selling or letting a property must have the property assessed and obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). It will also include notes on what improvements are needed. What you should check yourself is whether the property needs additional insulation or window replacement, for example. This can be expensive.

There must not be a smell of mould or dampness, as these are signs that rot and fungus may be present or develop. Many people experience an unexpected hit to their wallet because the bathroom needs upgrading.

Has the bathroom been renovated by professionals? Ask questions about the membrane and whether there are documents for the work that has been carried out.

Do the plumbing or hot water tank need replacing?

How large is the hot water tank?

Is it sufficient for your consumption?

Read the information provided carefully.

Are there signs of damp, or does it smell musty in the basement?

Stick your nose into the basement storage room. It must not smell musty or be damp.

Do they work as they should? Open and close them, check that they function properly. Ask about their age. Old doors and windows let in more draughts than newer ones, and you may need to replace them or face unexpectedly high heating costs. New windows are expensive.

Water must be able to drain away, fittings and drains must be solid. If it has recently rained, you should look for water pooling.

Is there mould/fungus on the roof lining, chimney, windows, walls or floor?

Have any improvements been made? If all or part of the property is planned for rental, remember that radon measurement is then mandatory. This therefore only applies to rental properties.

What agreement exists for cable TV and internet access. Call a local internet provider and ask if the area is covered for broadband.

Housing cooperatives often have many communal areas. Laundry room, waste container, parking spaces, garden areas, courtyards, cable TV. What is available here?

Has the housing cooperative replaced the roof, built balconies, installed new windows, entry phones, fire doors, etc.?

Are large joint expenses forthcoming? If so, this will often lead to an increase in joint debt and housing costs. Interest rates and repayments on joint debt are also included in the joint expenses. The interest gives you a tax deduction on your income.

Is it possible to pay down the joint debt to reduce the housing costs (in-ordning)?

Is there a good school nearby? Or is it possible to get a nursery place in the area? Where is the nearest public transport station, shop, walking trail, gym, etc.?

Are there any regulations for your own parking space? If there is no dedicated parking space, what are the options nearby?

When does the sun rise and set? Explore sunlight conditions

Be ready to participate in the bidding round. Property sales often happen quickly after viewings have been conducted. If you are interested in the property and wish to submit a bid, you must have your financing in order. To avoid having to wait for a pre-qualification letter when you want to make an offer, you should obtain this before you start attending viewings – this way you will also know exactly which price range you can purchase properties in, and whether you have room in your budget to renovate any faults, deficiencies, weaknesses, shortcomings, omissions or modernisation needs in the property.

Therefore, apply for a pre-qualification letter before you attend property viewings.

Once you have received your pre-qualification letter, you will find it in the mobile banking app and the online bank. It is valid for three months and can be renewed.