When you first enquire about a property—whether online, by email, or over the phone—it’s your opportunity to gather key information before arranging a viewing.
Asking the right questions early can save you time, help you spot potential issues, and ensure the property genuinely suits your needs.
Below are some of the most important questions buyers should ask when making an initial enquiry.
Why Is the Property Being Sold? - Understanding the seller’s motivation can provide useful context. For example, they may be relocating for work, downsizing, or selling an inherited property. This can sometimes indicate how flexible they might be on price or timescales.
How Long Has the Property Been on the Market? If a property has been listed for a long time, it may indicate pricing issues or problems uncovered during previous viewings or surveys. On the other hand, a recently listed property may attract strong interest and competition.
What Is Included in the Sale? Not everything you see during a viewing is necessarily included in the purchase. Ask about fixtures and fittings such as: Kitchen appliances Light fittings Garden sheds or summer houses Carpets and curtains Clarifying this early avoids surprises later in the process.
Have There Been Any Recent Renovations or Extensions? If improvements have been made, it’s worth asking: When the work was carried out Whether planning permission or building regulations approval was required If certificates or guarantees are available This helps ensure the work was completed properly and legally.
What Is the Council Tax Band? Council tax is an ongoing cost that buyers sometimes overlook. Knowing the band gives you a clearer idea of the property’s running costs and helps with budgeting.
Are There Any Known Issues With the Property? Estate agents should disclose known problems when asked. These could include:
Structural issues
Damp or roofing concerns
Boundary disputes
Parking or access problems Raising these questions early helps you decide whether it’s worth pursuing further.
What Are the Utility Costs Like? Ask about average costs for:
Gas and electricity
Water
Broadband availability This can give you a better idea of the true cost of living in the property.
Is the Seller in a Chain? If the seller needs to buy another property before they can move, this creates a property chain. Chains can sometimes delay transactions, so it’s useful to understand the situation from the start.
Are There Any Service Charges or Ground Rent? - If the property is leasehold or part of a managed development, there may be ongoing fees. Ask about:
Additional Service charges
Ground rent
Management company responsibilities
When Are Viewings Available? Finally, ask about viewing arrangements and whether there is high demand. If a property is attracting strong interest, you may want to book a viewing quickly.
✅ Final Tip: Before contacting the agent, write down your key questions so you don’t forget anything during the conversation. The more information you gather early on, the more confident you’ll be when deciding whether to arrange a viewing.
