With so much tech at our fingertips, we can practically view a property from the comfort of our own living room. But, like internet dating, seeing it online and in person can be quite different – which is where your viewing trip comes in. So whether you call it a viewing trip or a scouting trip, what do you need to know to make it a success?
Make use of technology
It has never been easier to view properties from the comfort of your own sofa, or even on a train via your mobile phone. The growth of virtual reality, drone videos and interactive websites allows you to “walk through” a property from the other side of the world.
Rightmove already offers virtual reality technology on some London properties – at the upper end of the market – and the way we look at any property is likely to change out of all proportion over the next few years.
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That isn’t the only helpful new technology on offer. Property websites like Rightmove are dramatically improving mapping technology and data, allowing you to target the kind of property you want in the precise area you want.
Suppose you want a two-bedroom flat along the railway line into Gatwick Airport, or a £300,000 house on the northern side of the River Thames in Oxford? No problem, draw it on the map, enter your property requirements and only those houses will appear.
Your viewing trip to the UK (Alex Segre / Shutterstock.com)
Like internet dating, however, you’ll never really know if you’re going to like it until you come face to face with the property. That means making a trip to view properties – known as a viewing trip on this side of the Atlantic and a scouting trip on the other. There are some dos and don’ts for successful viewing trips.
Viewing trips
Planning
Doing some background research before your trip will normally save you time and effort. The UK has a huge range of online information, via websites like Rightmove and the Local Authority for that area, which you can find via the UK government website local.direct.gov.uk.
Most towns and cities have Facebook pages and online forums too, although beware of the anonymous trolls that can blight local websites and give a false impression; the vast majority of British people are welcoming and friendly to new arrivals – wherever they come from.
Driving
The British drive on the left, unlike most of Europe. While roads are good and the standard of driving is generally exceptionally safe, British roads are narrow by international standards, busy and get congested.
Don’t assume that you can drive long distances as quickly as you can wherever you are used to driving. Fortunately, technology will help you in planning how many properties you can visit in a day. Plan your route using a service such as Google Maps or the AA (Automobile Association) app.
Like internet dating, you’ll never really know what you’re getting into until you see the house in person.
Take a friend
Take someone with you. First-time viewings may be quicker done solo; but for second viewings, having a second set of eyes to see the things you miss through your rose-tinted spectacles can provide a valuable dose of reality.
For second viewings, having a second set of eyes to see the things you miss through your rosetinted spectacles can provide a valuable dose of reality.
Location evaluation
Compared to many countries, estate agent fees in the UK are very low – usually 1% to 2% – and are paid by the seller. However, that does mean that you get a fairly basic service, certainly at the lower end of the market. They may drive you from viewing to viewing but that’s not guaranteed, and don;t expect a driving tour of the local area. What information you get about the area will probably have to come during a 20-minute or so property viewing.
So you will have to evaluate the location yourself. Visiting locations at different times of day and walking the neighbourhoods can give you some valuable details: traffic volume, noise levels, safety, friendliness of neighbours, upkeep of properties and evidence of children or pets – all factors that may influence your choice.
Make sure you get the best deal for your dream home by using the advice in your free guide, How to Negotiate Abroad. It’s written by a licensed estate agent and is packed with insider tips.
Recreation and necessary amenities If you have young children, schedule visits to schools or day-cares. Some will require an appointment, so call ahead. Check out the shops and recreation facilities in the area within walking or driving distance of your chosen location. In order to take everyone’s needs into account, it’s a good idea to make a list of the things that are important to both you and the people you will be moving with. You may also like to draw up a wishlist of wants that, if available, could seal the deal.
You will find, on the whole, that the UK is a country where professionals will stick to arrangements and appointments and can be trusted to deliver on promises.
