If you’re a first time buyer in Bristol or moving home for the first time in years, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to ask when viewing a property.
While it’s easy to focus on the appearance of a house, it’s just as important to understand the finer details before making an offer.
Asking the right questions early on can help you avoid unexpected costs, delays, or surprises down the line, and can also give you more confidence when it’s time to make your move.
How Popular is The Property?
One of the first things to ask is whether there’s been much interest in the property so far. This gives you an idea of how quickly you may need to act.
If lots of people are viewing the home or making enquiries, there’s a chance someone else could put in an offer ahead of you.
Knowing where you stand helps you manage your expectations and may also influence how strong your offer needs to be if you decide to go ahead.
Is there a property chain?
Ask whether the property is part of a chain, as this can affect how long the process takes. A property chain is when the seller needs to buy another home before completing the sale.
In some cases, there could be several buyers and sellers all linked together, which can create delays or complications.
If there’s no chain, or if you’re not part of one yourself, you’ll often be seen as a more attractive buyer because you’re in a position to move quickly. This can give you a stronger negotiating position.
What’s included in the sale?
It’s always worth finding out exactly what’s included in the sale. Some sellers leave behind white goods, fixtures, or even garden furniture. Others may take everything with them.
Knowing this in advance can help you budget for anything you’ll need to replace, or potentially save money if you’re happy to keep what’s already there.
What are the neighbours like?
If you’re moving to an area you’re unfamiliar with, it’s sensible to ask what the neighbours are like. While some sellers may give vague answers, others will be honest if there have been any issues or if the street is generally quiet.
Neighbours can have a big impact on your experience in a home, so don’t be afraid to ask about the community or check out the street at different times of day.
How much will it cost to run?
A home may be within your mortgage budget, but the monthly running costs can vary widely. It’s helpful to ask about council tax bands, utility bills, and service charges (if applicable) so you can plan your finances more accurately.
In some cases, the current owners may be happy to share recent bills, or you can do your own research online to estimate costs based on similar properties in the area.
Which way does the house face?
The direction a property faces may not matter to everyone, but for those who enjoy natural light or spend time in the garden, it can make a big difference.
A south-facing garden, for example, receives more sunlight throughout the day, something that’s often reflected in the asking price.
It’s a small detail, but it’s worth checking if outdoor space or sunlight is important to you.
Will any work be needed after moving in?
Ask about any work that’s been done recently, as well as anything that might need attention after you move in. This could include cosmetic updates, energy efficiency improvements, or repairs such as damp treatment or structural issues.
Knowing this in advance helps you budget realistically and avoids surprises once you’ve moved in.
Are offers being considered?
Most buyers feel unsure about how much to offer, especially when it’s their first time. Speak to the estate agent to find out if any offers have already been made, what was rejected, and whether the seller is open to negotiation.
Understanding this helps you put together a sensible offer that reflects both your position and the seller’s expectations. If you’re unsure, one of our mortgage advisors in Bristol can help you approach this stage with more confidence.
What is the expected timeline?
It’s helpful to ask when the sellers are hoping to move. If they’ve already found a property or are moving out of rented accommodation, the process may move faster. On the other hand, if they’re still searching, things may take longer.
Having a rough timeline helps you prepare, from instructing a conveyancer to planning your move, and can also influence your offer if you’re in a stronger or more flexible position.
Date Last Edited: August 6, 2025
