Property Visit | The 6 Actions to avoid all traps

In this article you will get all the essential advices you will need during the next property visit of the real estate you are considering buying.

In particular, you will discover :

1) How to prepare your property visit

2) What are the checkpoints to be made concerning the building?

3) How to assess the relevance of interior spaces

4) What is the level of quality of the proposed equipment?

5) How you will or will not be able to use the land of the villa

6) If the location of the property corresponds to your needs

FINALLY! You have just found the property of your dreams!  

You’ve just discovered the property you’ve always dreamed of! All your requirements are met in the same object. It’s incredible !

You are taken by your emotions. The feeling of urgency arises, because now it’s a matter of not missing this unique opportunity.

You jump on the phone and contact the broker in charge of selling “your” property (you already consider that’s your home 😄).

Done. The appointment is set for the next day! You have made sure that it is still available. And you took the opportunity to show a certain interest to the seller so that he understands that it is for you… and only for you!

You are impatient and waiting until the next day seems like an eternity…

This is the natural reaction of people who are looking for their new “home”. Or those who are on the lookout for an exceptional real estate opportunity to seize.

Simply, to avoid unpleasant surprises, you’ll have to channel your emotions somewhat. Buying a property is an important step in life and it is a matter of making it a total success.

You need to organize yourself to prepare for the planned real estate visit. The primary goal is to obtain all the necessary information that will allow you to make the right decision

How to prepare your property visit ?

You will store a maximum amount of information in a minimum amount of time. It is therefore essential that you organise yourself in advance to be able to collect all the important information.

First of all, for your property inventory, you will need a few tools that will be very useful, such as :

• one metre: to measure the spaces and make sure that all your furniture will fit perfectly.
• your smartphone: to take photos that you can use to make decisions. Don’t forget to ask permission before taking action.
• a checklist and a pen: essential! You can’t do without.

Go to your Checklist that can be printed or downloaded to your smartphone.

Now you are ready to start the property visit 😄

The building: making a quick diagnosis of its general condition

Whether you are buying a villa or a flat, it is very important to make an assessment of the condition of the building. It will allow you to estimate whether or not it is necessary to plan renovations in the short term. You will also be able to claim a reduction in the selling price during the negotiation, if necessary. Not to be overlooked!

Here are the checkpoints to be carried out:

1. Does the facade show any damage (cracks, breaks)?

2. Are there visible cracks in the load-bearing walls?

3. Is the roof in good condition? Is there a problem of water infiltration?

4. What type of insulation is used for the building? Does it meet current energy standards? Is the acoustic insulation sufficient? Will a renovation of the insulation be required to bring it up to standards? Has an energy certificate been issued for the building? Are the materials used mentioned in the building’s construction description?

5. What heating system has been installed? What is the average annual consumption? And the corresponding costs? What is the estimated lifetime of the heating system before it is replaced?

6. Can some walls be removed? Is there a possibility to extend the building? Is the building classified as a historical monument? What materials are used for the walls and cladding? Are they asbestos-free (for older buildings)?

7. Are there traces of moisture or mould on the interior walls and partitions?

8. How well insulated are the windows? Are they double or triple-glazed?

9. What is the condition of the electrical panel? Is it possible to add electrical connection points if necessary?

10. Where are the electrical switches and sockets located? Are there enough of them? Are they all operational?

11. How many connections are there for TV sets? Are they positioned in the right place?

12. What is the speed level for the Internet? Is fibre optics possible? What is the reception quality level for mobile networks?

13. What is the security system installed? Is there an alarm or motion detection system? What is the type of locks? Do the doors comply with fire protection standards?

14. Are there any other known renovation obligations not mentioned in the list?

15. What are the guarantees linked to the building? What are their durations before they expire?

16. Is the building subject to a mortgage? Do the debts related to the building revert to the new owner?

Interior spaces: do you have enough space to live in peacefully?

You will be living in this new property for the next few years. Or are you planning to rent it out? You need to make sure that the spaces are spacious enough, well laid out and oriented towards a good exposure to the sun.

This is what you need to pay attention to during the property visit :

1. Are the rooms cleverly laid out? Large enough? Are there enough of them?

2. What is the sun exposure of the living rooms? Are the rooms bright enough, with generous glass walls?

3. Is there sufficient ventilation in the rooms? Is every room equipped with a heating system?

4. Do the materials used for the interior design correspond to your taste? Are they easy to maintain? Are there any repair works to be considered?

5. Are the floors and walls in good condition? Are they to your liking or will you have to plan to change them?

6. Is there enough storage space (cupboards, cellar, attic, box)?

7. Is the interior layout adapted for people with reduced mobility?

Sanitary facilities and kitchen: Everything is there for your well-being?

Taking care of yourself is essential in life. The bathroom and kitchen are often the places where you take pleasure in looking after yourself and others. It is therefore important to make sure that all the equipment and appliances you need are in the right place.

1. Are the bathrooms in the right place? How many are they? Is their size OK?

2. Do the sanitary facilities (washbasin, shower, bath) meet your requirements? Are they well dimensioned?

3. What are the possibilities/constraints for renovation or replacement work?

4. Is the kitchen functional? Is there enough working and storage space? What is the ventilation system for the cooking appliances?

5. What are the kitchen appliances and brands? Are they under warranty? How long is the warranty period? Who should I contact if the appliances break down?

6. What is the general condition of the kitchen and sanitary equipment? Do they all work perfectly?

7. Is there a room for laundry and cleaning appliances?

8. Are there connections for connecting the machines? Is this possible? Is the room large enough to store all the machines?

The land: How will you be able to exploit it?

You have the chance to enjoy a piece of land. But are you sure you can use it as you wish?

To be sure, find out, in particular, about the following points:

1. What is the precise boundaries of your land? How is it delimited (hedges, fences)? How far away is your neighbour’s? Or how far away from your plot of land could a new house be built?

2. What visual protection does your plot have from your neighbours? How far away are your closest neighbours?

3. What is the daily rate of sunshine on your land? Does it have a view of the horizon?

4. What can you plant or not plant on your plot? What are the possible restrictions? Is it flat or sloping? And is it easy or difficult to maintain?

5. Are parking spaces included with the plot? How many?

6. Are there any protected trees on your property that you will not be able to remove?

7. Do the standards allow you to consider a second construction on the land? If so, on what surface? Can you install a swimming pool?

8. What material is the ground, the basement made of? Is it easy to dig if necessary? Is it free of pollution? At what level is the water table?

9. Is your land located in an environment subject to noise pollution?

10. Are any easements relating to your land registered in the Land Register?

11. Are there any changes in land use planned in the medium or long term in the immediate surroundings?

Location: Is everything you need nearby?

Even if all your attention is focused on the property that is the subject of your property visit, you should not neglect its location and the facilities in the surrounding area. They are also of great importance for your daily comfort and the evolution of the market value of your future property.

1. What public transport is close to the property? Which is the time of day and frequency of traffic? What are the prices?

2. What are the road and motorway accesses in the area? What is the frequency of traffic on these roads? Are traffic jams regular?

3. Is there an airport or any other major noise nuisance in the area?

4. What shops, hospitals, drugstores, schools, nurseries are there in the area? Similarly, where are the sports clubs, children’s parks, restaurants, cinemas and theatres?

5. What is the atmosphere in the neighbourhood? Are the neighbours friendly, discreet, noisy?

6. What is the local tax system? What impact does this have on your current situation?

If you would like to find out how you can make tax savings with the purchase of a property in Portugal, we invite you to discover our file: Portugal Taxes | The 12 main taxes | How to calculate them | How to limit your tax charge

Taking information costs nothing, but omitting it can be very expensive!

It’s true, that’s a lot of questions and points to check during the property visit .

So, to make it easier for you, start by identifying whether any of the issues can already be resolved in advance.

If not, we have prepared a checklist for you that includes the most important points to be checked during the property visit.

Go to your Checklist that can be printed or downloaded to your smartphone.

Now you are ready to start the property visit 😄

Thank you for taking the time to read our article through to the end.

If you would like to receive further useful information in preparation for or when buying your property, we invite you to subscribe to our Newsletter. Every month, you will receive a complete file with a wealth of other essential advice to consider before you buy your property.

You can subscribe by clicking on the blue button below.

We look forward to having you as one of our subscribers.

See you soon

VIE D’AZUR

SEE MORE ARTICLES