Property Evaluation Checklist
A systematic property evaluation ensures you make informed decisions based on facts rather than emotions. This comprehensive checklist helps assess every aspect of a potential purchase, from structural integrity to lifestyle suitability.
Pre-Viewing Preparation
Before You Leave
Research Completed: - [ ] Property history checked - [ ] Seller situation understood - [ ] Market comparisons done - [ ] Area research finished - [ ] Questions prepared - [ ] Documents organized
Equipment Ready: - [ ] Camera/phone charged - [ ] Measuring tape - [ ] Compass - [ ] Flashlight - [ ] Notepad/tablet - [ ] Appropriate clothing
Exterior Evaluation
Structural Assessment
Roof Inspection: - [ ] Overall condition visible - [ ] Tile/slate integrity - [ ] Ridge lines straight - [ ] Chimney condition - [ ] Guttering state - [ ] Downpipe functionality - [ ] Moss/vegetation growth - [ ] Repair evidence
Walls and Structure: - [ ] Crack presence/size - [ ] Damp patches - [ ] Pointing condition - [ ] Render integrity - [ ] Foundation visible issues - [ ] Structural movement signs - [ ] Previous repair quality
Windows and Doors: - [ ] Frame condition - [ ] Glazing type (single/double) - [ ] Opening functionality - [ ] Security features - [ ] Shutter condition - [ ] Energy efficiency - [ ] Replacement needs
Garden and Land
Outdoor Space Evaluation
Garden Assessment: - [ ] Size adequate - [ ] Maintenance level - [ ] Privacy degree - [ ] Sun exposure - [ ] Drainage visible - [ ] Tree conditions - [ ] Boundary clarity - [ ] Slope/terracing
Additional Structures: - [ ] Outbuilding condition - [ ] Garage functionality - [ ] Shed/storage state - [ ] Pool condition/equipment - [ ] Septic tank location - [ ] Well presence/state
Interior Inspection
Room-by-Room Analysis
General Observations: - [ ] Natural light levels - [ ] Room proportions - [ ] Ceiling heights - [ ] Floor condition - [ ] Wall condition - [ ] Odors present - [ ] Temperature consistency - [ ] Noise levels
Kitchen Evaluation: - [ ] Size and layout - [ ] Appliance condition - [ ] Storage adequacy - [ ] Work surface state - [ ] Plumbing visible - [ ] Electrical outlets - [ ] Ventilation quality - [ ] Update needs
Bathroom Assessment: - [ ] Suite condition - [ ] Plumbing function - [ ] Ventilation adequate - [ ] Tile state - [ ] Water pressure - [ ] Hot water system - [ ] Storage space - [ ] Modernization needs
Living Spaces: - [ ] Size sufficient - [ ] Layout practical - [ ] Heating adequate - [ ] Electrical points - [ ] Feature conditions - [ ] Flow between rooms - [ ] Storage availability - [ ] Entertainment setup
Bedrooms: - [ ] Size adequate - [ ] Natural light - [ ] Storage built-in - [ ] Privacy levels - [ ] Temperature control - [ ] Electrical outlets - [ ] Floor quality - [ ] Noise insulation
Technical Systems
Infrastructure Evaluation
Heating System: - [ ] Type identified - [ ] Age determined - [ ] Condition assessed - [ ] Efficiency rating - [ ] Running costs estimated - [ ] Control systems - [ ] Maintenance history - [ ] Replacement timeline
Electrical Installation: - [ ] Modern consumer unit - [ ] Adequate circuits - [ ] Socket availability - [ ] Lighting quality - [ ] Safety compliance - [ ] Upgrade needs - [ ] Three-phase availability - [ ] Certification status
Plumbing System: - [ ] Pipe materials - [ ] Water pressure - [ ] Drainage function - [ ] Hot water capacity - [ ] Leak evidence - [ ] Shut-off locations - [ ] Update requirements - [ ] Septic/mains drainage
Insulation and Energy: - [ ] Roof insulation - [ ] Wall insulation - [ ] Window efficiency - [ ] Draft presence - [ ] Energy rating impact - [ ] Improvement potential - [ ] Grant eligibility - [ ] Cost estimates
Location Factors
Neighborhood Assessment
Immediate Surroundings: - [ ] Neighbor proximity - [ ] Privacy levels - [ ] Noise sources - [ ] Traffic impact - [ ] Parking availability - [ ] Security feeling - [ ] Future development - [ ] Community sense
Local Amenities: - [ ] Shop accessibility - [ ] School proximity - [ ] Medical facilities - [ ] Public transport - [ ] Restaurant options - [ ] Cultural venues - [ ] Sports facilities - [ ] Service availability
Connectivity: - [ ] Internet speed - [ ] Mobile coverage - [ ] Transport links - [ ] Airport distance - [ ] Train stations - [ ] Highway access - [ ] Commute times - [ ] Alternative routes
Financial Evaluation
Cost Considerations
Purchase Costs: - [ ] Price appropriateness - [ ] Additional fees calculated - [ ] Renovation budget - [ ] Furnishing needs - [ ] Immediate repairs - [ ] Professional services - [ ] Moving expenses - [ ] Total investment
Ongoing Costs: - [ ] Property taxes known - [ ] Insurance estimates - [ ] Utility projections - [ ] Maintenance budget - [ ] Service contracts - [ ] Management needs - [ ] Travel costs - [ ] Emergency fund
Lifestyle Suitability
Personal Requirements
Daily Living: - [ ] Layout suits needs - [ ] Accessibility adequate - [ ] Storage sufficient - [ ] Guest accommodation - [ ] Work space available - [ ] Hobby areas - [ ] Pet suitability - [ ] Entertainment space
Future Considerations: - [ ] Aging in place possible - [ ] Family growth space - [ ] Resale potential - [ ] Rental possibilities - [ ] Business potential - [ ] Inheritance planning - [ ] Life change adaptability
Red Flags Checklist
Warning Signs
Structural Issues: - [ ] Major cracks - [ ] Subsidence signs - [ ] Roof sagging - [ ] Damp problems - [ ] Woodworm/termites - [ ] Foundation problems - [ ] Structural movement - [ ] Poor repairs
Legal Concerns: - [ ] Title issues mentioned - [ ] Boundary disputes - [ ] Planning violations - [ ] Easement problems - [ ] Inheritance complications - [ ] Tax arrears - [ ] Legal proceedings - [ ] Access disputes
Seller Behavior: - [ ] Pressure tactics - [ ] Information withholding - [ ] Viewing restrictions - [ ] Documentation delays - [ ] Price inconsistencies - [ ] Story changes - [ ] Professional absence - [ ] Urgency creation
Decision Framework
Evaluation Summary
Scoring System: - Location: ___/10 - Condition: ___/10 - Value: ___/10 - Potential: ___/10 - Suitability: ___/10 - Feeling: ___/10 - Total: ___/60
Deal Breakers: - [ ] Major structural issues - [ ] Unacceptable location - [ ] Over budget significantly - [ ] Legal complications - [ ] Lifestyle misfit - [ ] Partner disagreement - [ ] Professional warnings - [ ] Instinct says no
Proceed Indicators: - [ ] Meets key criteria - [ ] Budget comfortable - [ ] Problems solvable - [ ] Location perfect - [ ] Good value - [ ] Partner agreement - [ ] Professional support - [ ] Positive feeling
Post-Viewing Actions
Next Steps
Immediate Actions: - [ ] Photos organized - [ ] Notes typed up - [ ] Partner discussion - [ ] Questions listed - [ ] Research items noted - [ ] Agent feedback given - [ ] Timeline established
Further Investigation: - [ ] Second viewing needed? - [ ] Survey required? - [ ] Specialist inspections? - [ ] Legal checks? - [ ] Financial verification? - [ ] References needed? - [ ] Professional advice?
Using Your Evaluation
Making Decisions
Comparison Method: - Create spreadsheet - Score each property - Weight priorities - Compare objectively - Include partner views - Consider emotions - Make rational choice
Professional Input: - Share findings - Seek opinions - Verify concerns - Get estimates - Check assumptions - Validate decisions - Plan next steps
Key Evaluation Principles
1. Be systematic - Cover everything methodically 2. Stay objective - Emotions come later 3. Document thoroughly - Memory fades fast 4. Ask questions - Never assume 5. Trust instincts - But verify with facts 6. Compare constantly - Build market knowledge 7. Seek expertise - When in doubt
Remember: This checklist is your tool for making one of life's biggest decisions. Use it consistently, adapt it to your needs, and let it guide you toward a sound investment. The time spent on thorough evaluation is never wasted – it either confirms a good choice or saves you from a costly mistake.# Part 4: The Purchase Process