What to Take With You to a House Viewing

You don’t need much — just the right things

Let’s start with the good news: you do not need to turn up to a house viewing looking like you are preparing for a camping trip.

Most of the time, a few everyday items are more than enough. The point is not to inspect the house like a professional surveyor. You are there to look carefully, ask sensible questions, take notes and decide whether the property deserves a closer look.

The best things to bring are the ones that help you remember what you saw and compare the property with the others you visit.

And honestly, that last part matters more than people realise. After viewing three or four homes, the details can start to blend together. Was it the second house that had the tiny kitchen? Which one had the lovely garden but almost no storage? Where was that bedroom with the strange sloping ceiling?

A few simple notes can save you from trying to remember everything later.

1. Your phone

Your phone will probably be the most useful thing you take with you.

Before you leave, make sure it has plenty of battery. You may use it for notes, photos, directions, checking the original listing, looking at maps or simply keeping track of your appointments.

Use it for notes

Instead of trying to remember everything, create a note for each property. Keep it simple. You could write down three things you liked, three concerns and any questions that still need answers.

This makes comparing properties much easier later.

Keep the original listing handy

Having the listing open on your phone lets you quickly remind yourself what was advertised. If the description mentioned a renovated bathroom, included appliances, parking or a recently updated heating system, you can make sure you ask about those details during the visit.

Use the camera carefully

Photos can be really helpful when you are viewing several homes, but always ask whether photography is allowed. Some sellers or agents may prefer you not to take pictures, particularly of personal belongings.

If you are allowed to take photos, focus on useful details rather than taking hundreds of random pictures.

2. A simple viewing checklist

You don’t need a twenty-page document. In fact, something too complicated may make the viewing feel like work.

A one-page checklist is usually much easier to use. Include the things that matter to you personally as well as a few basic practical checks.

3. A tape measure

A tape measure is one of those small things that can be surprisingly useful.

You might already know that your sofa is a certain width, or perhaps you have a wardrobe that needs to fit into the second bedroom. If something important depends on the available space, measuring can give you a much clearer idea than simply looking around.

You can also use your phone’s measuring tools if you prefer, although a basic tape measure is often quicker and more reassuring for important measurements.

4. Your list of questions

This is probably more important than any gadget you could bring.

Before the viewing, think about what you genuinely need to know. If you are nervous, write the questions down. There is absolutely nothing wrong with checking your phone and working through your list.

Useful questions might include:

You won’t need every question at every viewing. Just choose the ones that are relevant to that particular home.

5. A small notebook, if you prefer writing things down

There is nothing wrong with using your phone for everything, but some people simply think better with a pen and paper.

A small notebook can be especially handy if you are viewing several homes in one day. Give each property a page and write down your thoughts as you go.

You can even divide the page into simple sections: love it, not sure and questions.

That keeps things casual while still giving you something useful to look back at later.

6. Someone you trust

If you can, consider taking someone with you.

It doesn’t have to be someone who knows everything about houses. Sometimes a second pair of eyes is all you need.

You might be busy looking at the kitchen while they notice that the bedroom is noisy. You may love the open-plan layout while they point out that there is almost nowhere to put a dining table.

They don’t need to make the decision for you. They are simply there to notice things you might miss.

Just make sure the final decision stays yours. Your friend may love a bright open-plan kitchen, while you may care much more about having a quiet bedroom and a practical commute.

7. Comfortable shoes

This one sounds almost too simple, but comfortable shoes really can make a viewing easier.

You may walk around the property, go into a garden, look at an outdoor storage area, walk around the surrounding street or visit several homes in one day.

Wear something practical and comfortable rather than treating the viewing like a special occasion. You want to be able to move around naturally and concentrate on the property.

If you are asked to remove your shoes when entering the home, easy-to-remove footwear is a nice bonus too.

8. Your property priorities

Before you arrive, take a minute to remind yourself what you are actually looking for.

This can be surprisingly helpful because a beautifully presented house can make you forget your original priorities.

Maybe you said you wanted a manageable garden. Perhaps you need space for working from home. Maybe you really need two bathrooms, good storage or easy access to public transport.

Write down your top three to five priorities and keep them with you.

9. A measuring app or calculator

This is optional, but your phone can help with quick calculations when you are trying to picture how a space would work.

You might want to work out whether a particular piece of furniture could fit, how much wall space you have for storage, or whether a bedroom could comfortably accommodate both a bed and a desk.

Don’t worry about making the measurements perfect during a first viewing. If the property becomes a serious contender, you can always return and measure properly.

10. An open mind

This might be the most useful thing of all, and you can’t exactly put it in your bag.

Try not to reject a property because the current owner’s furniture isn’t your style. Equally, don’t fall in love with a house simply because it has beautiful furniture and fresh flowers.

Look past the decoration and think about the bones of the home and how it would work for you.

Could you make the living room comfortable? Is there enough storage? Does the kitchen work? Do the bedrooms suit your needs? Is the garden manageable? Can you imagine your normal weekday here?

Those questions are often much more useful than whether you happen to like the sofa.

What you probably don’t need to bring

It is easy to overprepare, especially if this is your first serious house search.

You generally don’t need specialist inspection equipment, complicated measuring devices or a huge folder of paperwork just to walk around a property.

A viewing is about getting a feel for the home and identifying things that deserve more investigation. If you notice something concerning, make a note and ask about it. If you decide to proceed, appropriate professional checks can provide a much deeper assessment.

What to do before you leave the viewing

Before you get back in the car or head to your next appointment, take two or three quiet minutes to write down your thoughts.

Don’t wait until the evening. By then, the next property may have taken over your memory.

Write down what you liked, what you didn’t like and anything you need to check.

If you’re viewing several homes in one day

This is where being organised really pays off.

Try to use the same basic process for every property. Take similar notes, check the same important areas and record your first impressions before moving on.

You could even give each property a simple name in your phone, such as “Maple Street” or “Blue Door House”, rather than relying on addresses you may forget later.

And give yourself a little breathing room between appointments if possible. Five quiet minutes can make a surprisingly big difference when you are trying to compare homes.

Don’t forget the little things

There are a few other small things that can make the day easier.

A simple house-viewing bag

If you like having everything together, you can keep a small viewing kit ready for the days when you are visiting properties.

Frequently Asked Questions