Buying a home is a major decision, and having a questions to ask when buying a house checklist can help you investigate a property before making an offer. A house may look perfect during a viewing, but important details about its condition, running costs, location, ownership, maintenance and history may not be immediately obvious.
Asking the right questions can help you identify potential problems, understand the true cost of ownership and decide whether a property suits your needs. In the UK, buyers should also consider matters such as surveys, searches, property tenure, energy efficiency and legal information before proceeding.
This guide provides 25 essential questions to ask when viewing or considering a house, along with explanations of why each question matters.
Questions to Ask When Buying a House Checklist
Use these 25 questions as a practical starting point when viewing a property. You can save or print the checklist and take it with you when visiting potential homes.
1. Why Is the Seller Moving?
One of the first questions to ask is why the owner is selling the property.
The answer can provide useful context. They may be moving for work, upsizing, downsizing, relocating or changing their circumstances.
A seller’s reason does not necessarily indicate a problem with the property, but understanding the circumstances can provide additional information about the sale.
2. How Long Has the Property Been on the Market?
Ask the estate agent how long the property has been listed.
If it has been available for an extended period, you may want to investigate why.
Possible reasons could include:
A longer marketing period does not automatically mean there is a problem, but it is worth asking about.
3. Has the Asking Price Changed?
Find out whether the asking price has previously been reduced or changed.
A price reduction could reflect changing market conditions, a previous valuation or the seller’s desire to attract more buyers.
It can also provide useful context when comparing the property with similar homes in the area.
4. How Much Are the Council Tax and Other Regular Costs?
Ask about the property’s Council Tax band and typical ongoing costs.
Depending on the property, you may also need to consider:
Your own household usage will affect many of these expenses, so treat any figures provided as an indication rather than a guarantee.
5. What Is the Energy Performance Certificate Rating?
Ask to see the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) where one is required.
An EPC provides information about the property’s energy efficiency and typical energy performance.
A lower energy-efficiency rating may indicate that improvements could be worth considering, although the EPC should not be treated as a substitute for a building survey.
6. What Is the Property’s Age?
Knowing approximately when a property was built can help you understand its construction and potential maintenance requirements.
Older properties may have different:
This does not mean older homes are necessarily problematic, but their construction should be considered when assessing the property.
7. Have There Been Any Major Renovations?
Ask whether the property has been extended, renovated or structurally altered.
Examples include:
Ask whether relevant permissions, approvals or certificates were obtained where required.
Your conveyancer can investigate legal documentation and relevant searches.
8. Is the Property Freehold or Leasehold?
This is particularly important when buying a flat or certain types of houses.
Find out whether the property is:
If it is leasehold, ask about the lease length, service charges, ground rent arrangements and other obligations.
The legal documents should be reviewed carefully before committing to the purchase.
9. How Long Is Left on the Lease?
If the property is leasehold, ask how many years remain on the lease.
The remaining lease term can be an important consideration for future saleability and mortgage availability.
Ask your conveyancer to explain the implications of the remaining term and whether any extension may be necessary.
10. How Much Are the Service Charges?
For leasehold properties, ask how much the current service charge is.
Find out what it covers, such as:
Also ask whether significant increases or major works are expected.
11. Are There Any Ground Rent Charges?
If the property is leasehold, check whether ground rent applies and understand the terms.
Your conveyancer should review the lease and explain any relevant obligations, including how charges may change over time.
Do not rely solely on information provided verbally during a viewing.
12. Has the Property Ever Had Damp or Mould?
Ask directly about previous or current damp and mould issues.
During your viewing, look for:
Some signs can have relatively simple explanations, while others may indicate more significant problems.
A professional survey can provide a more detailed assessment.
13. Has the Property Had Any Structural Problems?
Ask whether the property has experienced structural movement, subsidence or other significant structural issues.
Potential signs can include:
However, these signs do not automatically mean a property has structural defects.
If you have concerns, ask a suitably qualified surveyor to investigate.
14. How Old Is the Roof?
The roof can be one of the more expensive parts of a house to repair or replace.
Ask:
A surveyor can assess the condition of the roof as part of an appropriate survey.
15. How Old Is the Boiler and Heating System?
Ask when the boiler was installed and whether it has been regularly serviced.
Also check:
An older boiler may eventually require replacement, so this can be useful information when budgeting for future costs.
16. When Were the Electrics Last Checked?
Ask about the age and condition of the electrical system.
You may want to find out whether:
If you have concerns, consider obtaining an appropriate electrical inspection from a qualified professional.
17. When Was the Plumbing Last Updated?
Ask whether the plumbing system has been replaced or upgraded.
Check for visible signs of:
Again, a professional inspection may be appropriate if you identify concerns.
18. What Fixtures and Appliances Are Included?
Don’t assume that everything you see during a viewing is included in the sale.
Ask whether items such as:
are included.
Your solicitor or conveyancer can ensure the agreed inclusions are properly reflected in the transaction documentation.
19. What Is the Internet and Mobile Coverage Like?
Reliable connectivity is increasingly important for work, entertainment and everyday life.
Ask about:
If possible, check availability independently rather than relying solely on the seller’s or agent’s information.
20. What Are the Neighbours Like?
You may not receive detailed information about neighbours, but you can ask general questions about the surrounding area and community.
During your viewing, pay attention to:
Visiting the area at different times can give you a better understanding of the environment.
21. Is There Any History of Flooding?
Flood risk can be an important consideration when buying a property.
Ask whether the property has previously experienced flooding and investigate the property’s flood-risk information using appropriate official sources.
Potential concerns can include:
Your conveyancer may also recommend relevant searches depending on the property’s location.
22. Are There Any Planning Applications Nearby?
A property’s surroundings can change after you buy it.
Check for relevant planning applications involving:
A development that is not currently visible from the property could potentially affect views, traffic, noise or local amenities.
23. Are There Any Known Problems With the Property?
It can be useful to ask the estate agent directly whether they are aware of any material issues affecting the property.
Ask about:
The seller and estate agent have legal obligations concerning certain information, but buyers should still conduct their own due diligence and obtain professional advice where appropriate.
24. Have Previous Sales Fallen Through?
Ask whether the property has previously been under offer or whether a previous transaction fell through.
If so, ask whether the estate agent can explain why.
A failed transaction does not necessarily indicate a problem. It could have resulted from:
However, knowing the history can help you ask more targeted questions.
25. What Is the Seller’s Preferred Timescale?
Finally, ask when the seller would ideally like to complete the sale.
This can help you understand:
Your preferred timeline may not match the seller’s, so understanding expectations early can help manage the process.
Build Your Real Estate Knowledge
Want to understand property transactions and the role of professionals in the real estate industry? The Level 3 Real Estate Agent course can help you build foundational knowledge of estate agency, property transactions, client relationships and essential real estate practices.
Questions to Ask at a House Viewing
During the viewing, don’t focus only on the questions you plan to ask the estate agent. Take time to inspect the property yourself.
Look carefully at:
Take photographs or notes if permitted so you can compare properties later.
Questions to Ask the Estate Agent
An estate agent can provide useful information about the property and transaction.
Consider asking:
Remember that information provided by an estate agent should be considered alongside your own checks and professional advice.
Questions to Ask Your Surveyor
Your surveyor can help you understand the physical condition of the property.
Depending on the survey type, you may want to ask about:
The appropriate survey depends on the property, so discuss the available options with your surveyor before instructing them.
Questions to Ask Your Solicitor or Conveyancer
Your legal professional can help investigate the legal aspects of the purchase.
Ask about:
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something in the legal documentation.
Printable House-Buying Questions Checklist
Here’s a simplified version you can use when viewing a property:
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Question |
Check |
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Why is the seller moving? |
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How long has it been on the market? |
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Has the asking price changed? |
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What are the regular property costs? |
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What is the EPC rating? |
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How old is the property? |
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Have there been renovations? |
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Is it freehold or leasehold? |
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How long is left on the lease? |
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What are the service charges? |
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Is there ground rent? |
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Has there been damp or mould? |
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Are there structural concerns? |
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How old is the roof? |
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How old is the boiler? |
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When were the electrics checked? |
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When was the plumbing updated? |
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What fixtures are included? |
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What is broadband/mobile coverage like? |
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What are the neighbours like? |
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Has the property flooded? |
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Are there nearby planning applications? |
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Are there known property problems? |
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Have previous sales fallen through? |
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What is the seller’s preferred timescale? |
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Don’t Rely on Questions Alone
Asking questions is important, but answers should not replace proper due diligence.
For example, if an agent says that the roof is “fine”, you may still want an appropriate survey. If you’re told that the area is “quiet”, visit at different times to form your own impression.
Similarly, if a property is described as having “low running costs”, check the available documentation and ask for evidence where appropriate.
The best approach combines:
Questions + Viewing + Survey + Searches + Legal Checks + Financial Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask when buying a house?
Important questions include why the seller is moving, how long the property has been on the market, whether the price has changed, what the property costs to run, whether it is freehold or leasehold, and whether there are known structural or maintenance issues.
What should I ask an estate agent before making an offer?
Ask about the asking price, previous price changes, how long the property has been listed, the seller’s circumstances, whether there is a property chain, what is included in the sale and whether there are known issues with the property.
What should I ask about a leasehold property?
Ask about the remaining lease term, service charges, ground rent arrangements, planned major works, building insurance, restrictions and management arrangements. Your solicitor or conveyancer should review the lease and explain the relevant obligations.
Should I ask about problems with the house?
Yes. Ask about known issues such as damp, mould, structural problems, roof defects, flooding, drainage and previous major repairs. You should also arrange an appropriate survey because verbal answers do not replace professional inspection.
What should I check during a house viewing?
Look at the property’s walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, roof where visible, heating system, electrical fittings, plumbing, storage, garden and external areas. Also consider noise, parking, natural light and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Build Your Real Estate Knowledge
Want to understand property transactions and the role of professionals in the real estate industry? The Level 3 Real Estate Agent course can help you build foundational knowledge of estate agency, property transactions, client relationships and essential real estate practices.
Final Thoughts
A questions-to-ask when buying a house checklist can help first-time and experienced buyers approach property viewings more systematically. From asking about the seller’s circumstances and property history to checking tenure, maintenance, running costs and local development, the right questions can reveal information that may not be obvious from a viewing alone.
However, asking questions is only one part of the home-buying process. Combine your research with an appropriate survey, property searches, legal checks and careful financial planning before committing to a purchase.
The more thoroughly you investigate a property before buying, the better prepared you can be to understand its condition, costs, and suitability for your needs.
