Property Viewing Checklist: 30 Things to Check

Outside the building

1. Walk to the nearest station yourself. Listing times may not reflect crossings, hills, or station entrances.
2. Check the access road and traffic. Revisit during commuting hours if congestion matters.
3. Look for lighting and CCTV. Walk the route you would use at night.
4. Trace the parking route. Note entrances, ramps, guest parking, and surface versus underground access.
5. Inspect the management office and security desk. Cleanliness is a useful first signal of building management.
6. Review shared facilities. Check the playground, gym, community rooms, and their maintenance.
7. Walk to schools and academies. Confirm the real route rather than relying only on a map.
8. Check daily services. Locate supermarkets, pharmacies, laundries, clinics, and banks.

Inside the unit

1. Entry door, soundproofing, and lock. Include replacement cost in the repair budget.
2. Entry storage. Confirm that the shoe cabinet and utility storage fit the household.
3. Daylight and orientation. Observe how far direct light reaches around noon.
4. Balcony expansion. Confirm approval, insulation, condensation, and the actual usable area.
5. Cross-ventilation. Open windows and test airflow through living and sleeping areas.
6. Ceiling height. Compare the plans with what the rooms feel like in person.
7. Room count and dimensions. Bring a tape measure for large furniture.
8. Built-ins and included fixtures. Record what remains and its condition.
9. Kitchen workflow and storage. Check refrigerator, sink, cooktop, outlets, and counter space.
10. Bathroom ventilation and water. Run taps, flush toilets, and check corners and ceilings.

Defects and aging

1. Condensation and mold around frames can signal weak insulation or glazing.
2. Lifted wallpaper or flooring may point to moisture or poor prior installation.
3. Wall cracks should be distinguished from cosmetic finish cracks.
4. Ceiling stains can indicate a roof, pipe, or upstairs leak.
5. Water pressure should be tested in the kitchen and bathroom at the same time.
6. Hot-water speed and temperature help reveal boiler condition.
7. Outlets, switches, and lights may need replacement in an older unit.
8. Windows and doors should open, close, and lock smoothly.
9. Bathroom fixtures should be checked for leaks, chips, and movement.
10. Kitchen doors and counters should be priced into the renovation plan if damaged.

Neighborhood and building operations

1. Sun obstruction. Check the distance and height of buildings in front of the unit.
2. Impact and airborne noise. Pause quietly and revisit at another time if possible.
3. Road, rail, school, and retail noise. Open the windows during the visit.
4. Night parking. Evening availability may differ sharply from daytime.
5. Elevator wait. Consider peak hours and the number of elevators per household.
6. Management fees. Review the complex average and the unit's latest three bills.

Prepare before the visit

• Issue a property-register copy and plan to issue fresh copies immediately before signing and closing.
• Check the building ledger for unapproved or non-compliant alterations.
• Review recent reported transaction prices at MOLIT's transaction-price system.
• Bring a tape measure, phone flashlight, notes, and the floor plan.
• Visit once between noon and 2 p.m. and, when possible, again around 7 p.m.