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Questions to ask when you view a house
Take a list with you. A viewing is your best chance to spot problems, and agents and sellers will usually answer plain questions if you ask them. Look at the structure and the services, ask what the home costs to run, ask what has been repaired, and write down the answers. Anything that matters to your decision should end up in the offer to purchase, not just in conversation.
Start with the building itself
Look before you ask. Walk through with your eyes and your hands, and take photos so you can compare homes later.
- Damp and leaks. Look for stains on ceilings, bubbling paint, a musty smell and mould in corners and behind furniture. Ask whether the roof has ever leaked and whether anything was repaired.
- Cracks. Hairline cracks are common. Wide cracks, or cracks that run diagonally from door and window corners, are worth asking about.
- Roof and gutters. Look for broken tiles, rust and sagging. Ask how old the roof is.
- Plumbing. Run taps and flush the toilets. Check water pressure and how long hot water takes to arrive. Ask the age of the geyser.
- Electrics. Check the plugs and the distribution board. Ask whether there is a valid electrical certificate of compliance.
- Windows and doors. Open and close them. Check the locks and burglar bars.
Ask about repairs and building work
- What repairs or renovations have been done, and when?
- Were building plans approved for any extensions, garages, flatlets or enclosed patios? Unapproved work can cause problems when you want to sell.
- Have there been any insurance claims, such as water damage or fire?
- Does the owner know of any defects? Ask for this in writing. If an agent is selling the home, the agent should give you the signed disclosure form. See the mandatory disclosure form.
The sale may be voetstoots, which means you buy the property as it stands, so the viewing is when you find faults. Read voetstoots and latent defects to see how far that goes.
Ask what it costs to live there
The price is not the only cost. Ask for figures, and check them later.
- What are the monthly rates and taxes? Municipal rates are based on the value on the valuation roll, so the amount can change after a new valuation.
- What is the average electricity and water bill?
- If it is sectional title or in an estate, what is the monthly levy, and has a special levy been raised or planned? See buying sectional title and buying in a security estate.
- Is there solar, an inverter or a borehole, and who owns them? Read solar and backup power when buying.
- Is there a gas installation, an alarm contract or an electric fence? Each may need its own certificate or a service agreement.
Add the monthly costs to your bond repayment to see the true monthly cost. Our guide to the monthly costs of owning a home lists them all.
Ask about the area and the neighbours
- Is the area noisy at night or at rush hour? Visit at different times of day, and on a weekend.
- How is the security? Ask about break-ins, neighbourhood watch and the security company.
- How reliable are the electricity and water supply? Ask about outages.
- How far is it from work, schools and shops? Drive the route at the time you would normally travel.
- Are there building or development plans next door that could block your view or add noise?
Ask about the sale
- Why is the owner selling?
- How long has it been on the market? Has the price changed?
- What is included in the sale: curtains, light fittings, appliances, stove, garden furniture?
- When can you take occupation?
- Will the owner provide compliance certificates before transfer? See compliance certificates when selling.
To compare asking prices of similar homes, use the price per square metre calculator.
What to do next
- Write your notes the same day while you remember them.
- Go back for a second viewing, ideally at a different time.
- Check that the price still fits your budget in the affordability calculator.
- If you decide to make an offer, read the offer to purchase: what to check.
Find your next viewing among the properties for sale on PropertyNow.
This article is general information for South African readers, not legal, financial or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check your own situation with an attorney, your bank or a tax practitioner. Our property calculators can help you work out the numbers.