Property Viewing Checklist: 30 Things to Check Before Making an Offer

Online listings can be deceiving. Photos are staged, descriptions are optimistic, and floor plans don't capture the feel of a space. A thorough in-person viewing is your last line of defense before committing hundreds of thousands of euros.

Use this checklist at every viewing.

Before the Viewing

1. Research the address: Check Google Street View, noise maps, flood zone maps
2. Calculate price per m²: Compare to the neighborhood average
3. Check listing history: How long has it been on market? Any price reductions?
4. Prepare questions: Based on your research, what needs clarification?

At the Building

5. Exterior condition: Cracks, facade damage, staining = potential structural or water issues
6. Common areas: Clean, well-maintained entrance and stairs indicate good co-ownership management
7. Elevator: Working? Recently serviced? (Check the certificate inside)
8. Mailboxes: Condition and number of units give insight into building quality
9. Parking and storage: Verify availability and access
10. Neighbors: Are other apartments well-maintained? Who lives here?

Inside the Apartment

Structure & Layout

11. Ceiling height: Measure or estimate. Below 2.5m feels cramped
12. Floor plan logic: Can you live comfortably with this layout? Imagine your furniture
13. Wall condition: Cracks (especially diagonal) may indicate structural movement
14. Flooring: Condition of parquet, tiles, or carpet. Restoration cost if needed?
15. Doors and windows: Open and close each one. Gaps = poor insulation and noise

Light & Orientation

16. Natural light: Visit at different times if possible. Which direction do main rooms face?
17. Vis-à-vis: Can neighbors see in? How close is the opposite building?
18. Artificial lighting: Are rooms dark even with lights on?

Water & Plumbing

19. Water pressure: Turn on taps and shower. Is pressure adequate?
20. Hot water: How quickly does it arrive? Tank or instant heater?
21. Signs of water damage: Stains on ceilings, bubbling paint, musty smell
22. Bathroom ventilation: Window or mechanical extraction? Mold signs?

Electrical & Heating

23. Electrical panel: Modern (circuit breakers) or outdated (fuses)? Sufficient capacity?
24. Number of outlets: Enough for modern life? Old apartments often have too few
25. Heating type: Central, individual gas, electric? Cost implications?
26. DPE/EPC rating: Check the actual certificate, not just the listing

Noise

27. Street noise: Open a window. Is it acceptable?
28. Neighbor noise: Can you hear voices, music, footsteps from adjacent apartments?
29. Building noise: Elevator, plumbing, heating system sounds?

Questions to Ask

30. Co-ownership charges: Exact monthly amount and what's included

• Recent or planned major works (ravalement, roof, elevator)?
• Minutes of the last 2-3 co-ownership meetings
• Property tax amount (taxe foncière)
• Why is the owner selling?
• How long has the property been listed?
• Have there been other offers?
• What is included in the sale (kitchen equipment, storage, parking)?

Red Flags

🚩 Structural cracks — Especially diagonal cracks above doors/windows 🚩 Water stains — Could indicate ongoing leaks 🚩 Musty smell — Mold or dampness problems 🚩 Reluctance to share documents — Why won't they show meeting minutes? 🚩 Rush to close — "You must decide today" = pressure tactic 🚩 Large planned works — Upcoming façade renovation or elevator replacement can cost €5,000-15,000 per unit 🚩 Very low charges — May indicate deferred maintenance

After the Viewing

• Rate the property on your key criteria (1-5 scale)
• Review your photos and notes while memory is fresh
• Research any concerns that came up
• If interested, schedule a second viewing at a different time of day
• Get a professional survey/inspection before making a formal offer

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