Open house viewings offer a relaxed way to explore properties without the pressure of a private appointment. You can turn up, take your time, and get a feel for a home at your own pace.
But with dozens of open house viewings happening every weekend, how can you make the most of these opportunities? And more importantly, how do you spot the right property when you find it?
What makes open house viewings different
An open house viewing is when a property is available for anyone to view during set hours, usually at weekends. Unlike private viewings, where you book a specific time slot, open viewings let multiple people look around simultaneously.
This format works brilliantly if you’re just starting your property search. You can visit several homes in one afternoon without scheduling appointments days in advance. It’s also perfect for getting a feel for different areas before narrowing down your options.
The relaxed atmosphere means you can explore at your own speed. However, popular properties attract crowds. You might find yourself viewing alongside ten other potential buyers, which can make detailed inspections tricky.
Preparing before you attend
Successful open viewing house visits start before you leave home. Check the property listing thoroughly and note down questions about room sizes, recent work, or local amenities. Bring a notebook or use your phone to record observations – details blur together quickly after viewing multiple properties.
Dress practically with comfortable shoes. Bring essentials like a tape measure for room dimensions, a torch for dark spaces, and your phone camera to document anything worth remembering.
Check the weather if you’re viewing multiple properties. Rushing between open day house viewing appointments in pouring rain isn’t fun, and wet weather can disguise issues like poor drainage.
Related: 10 questions to ask at a house viewing
What to examine during your visit
Start outside before entering. Look at the roof condition, exterior walls, gutters, and downpipes. Check the garden and notice whether boundaries look well-maintained. Observe the neighbourhood – are properties well-kept? Is the street quiet or busy?
Inside, test everything. Turn taps on and off, flush toilets, try light switches, and open windows. Look for damp patches, wall cracks, or uneven floors. These aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, but you need to know about them.
Pay attention to storage space. Properties look spacious when empty or staged, but your belongings need somewhere to go. Check wardrobe sizes, kitchen cupboards, and additional storage areas.
Notice heating systems and their age. Ask about boiler service history and energy bills – these running costs significantly impact your monthly budget.
Look beyond the décor. Awful wallpaper can be changed, but structural issues or poor layout can’t. Focus on the bones of the property rather than cosmetic details.
Related: The 11 essential documents for buying property
Questions worth asking
Estate agents expect questions during open house viewings. Ask when the property became available and how much interest it’s received. This gives you context about competition levels.
Find out about the sellers’ situation. Are they in a chain? Understanding their position helps you assess how quickly a sale might progress.
Question any work done to the property. When was the kitchen or bathroom updated? Has the roof been replaced? Are there guarantees for major work?
Ask about local amenities and transport links. Agents often know practical details like actual commuting times or which schools have the best reputations.
Related: Understanding closing costs: what buyers need to know
Red flags to watch for
Strong air freshener or scented candles might mask damp or pet odours. Fresh paint in isolated patches could hide problem areas. Be particularly wary of newly painted ceilings – they sometimes conceal water damage.
Listen for traffic noise, nearby railway lines, or flight paths. Visit at different times if you’re seriously interested. A quiet Sunday morning viewing might not reflect weekday reality.
Check for damp signs – musty smells, peeling wallpaper, tide marks on walls, or soft plaster. Notice if any rooms are locked or inaccessible.
Look at neighbouring properties. If several houses on the street are for sale, investigate why. Sometimes there are underlying issues that aren’t immediately obvious.
Related: Turnkey property: A guide for first-time buyers
Comparing properties effectively
After viewing several properties, they start blending. This is where your notes and photos become invaluable. Review them the same day while memories are fresh.
Create a simple scoring system. Rate each property on location, condition, layout, outdoor space, and value. This objective approach helps when emotion clouds judgment.
Consider your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Priorities shift as you see what’s available at your budget. Think about whether the property works for your five-year plan and whether you can add value through improvements.
Don’t rush decisions. Even if an agent mentions other interested parties, you’re making a significant financial commitment. Take time to think and possibly arrange a second viewing privately.
Related: Property searches when buying a house: what you need to know
Taking the next steps
If a property interests you, act promptly. Contact the agent to express serious interest and arrange a private second viewing, you’ll notice different details when it’s just you.
Get your finances in order before making offers. Having a mortgage agreement in principle shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. Commission a survey before committing – professional reports often save buyers from expensive mistakes.
Whether you’re attending open house viewings or arranging private appointments, our team is always on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the buying process. Contact your local Parkers branch today.
