What to check before you book a viewing

Booking a viewing takes time and energy. Before you head across town, it's worth doing a few quick checks so you're only visiting places that have a realistic chance of working for you.

Here's a simple run-through of what to look at before you click "book a viewing".

1. Be clear on your monthly budget

Start with what you can comfortably afford each month, not the maximum you could squeeze.

What to check:

• Rent amount – Is it within your realistic range, not your absolute ceiling?
• What's included – Are utilities, Wi-Fi, or amenities included, or is it rent only?
• Other costs – Look for mentions of parking fees, pet fees, or amenity charges.

If the number already feels tight before you've added bills and travel costs, it's probably not worth viewing.

2. Check the location in real terms (not just the postcode)

A postcode can look fine on paper but feel very different day to day.

What to check:

• Distance to your usual places – Work, study, childcare, regular commitments.
• Transport links – How close is the nearest station or main bus route, and how often do services run?
• Local essentials – Are there supermarkets, pharmacies and basic shops within a distance you're actually happy to walk or cycle?

If you already know you won't enjoy the area – too far from friends, too awkward for commuting – you can probably skip the viewing.

3. Look at the building set-up and management

A good building with poor management will be a headache. Purpose-built rental communities usually tell you quite a bit upfront.

What to check:

• Who manages the building – Is it a professional on-site team or an off-site private landlord?
• Repairs and maintenance – Is there a clear process for logging issues? Is there on-site maintenance or named contractors?
• Security – Look for mention of secure entry systems, CCTV in common areas, or on-site staff.

If management looks vague or unclear even in the marketing, that's a warning sign.

4. Consider the type of building and residents

The setup should match how you live. A building aimed at young professionals will feel different from one geared towards families or students.

What to check:

• Positioning – Does the description mention families, pet-friendly living, student life, or professionals?
• Amenities – Gyms, lounges, co-working spaces, playgrounds, rooftop terraces – what's there and does it fit your lifestyle?
• Noise and activity levels – Bars, late-opening venues or busy roads nearby might be a plus or a minus depending on you.

If the building's focus doesn't match your routine, it's unlikely a viewing will change that.

5. Match the apartment layout to your needs

The photos might be attractive, but the layout matters more day to day.

What to check:

• Number of bedrooms and layout – Is it a true separate bedroom or a studio/partitioned space?
• Work-from-home space – Is there a realistic spot for a desk if you work or study from home?
• Storage – Any mention of built-in wardrobes, utility cupboards or extra storage options?
• Light and orientation – If it's important to you, look for mention of large windows, aspect (east/south/west facing) or balcony space.

If the basic layout won't work for how you live, it's better to find something closer to what you need.

6. Check policies that might affect you (pets, parking, sharers)

Some details can make or break a property for you.

What to check:

• Pets – Are pets allowed? Are there weight/breed limits, deposits or monthly fees?
• Parking – Is parking available, and if so, at what cost? Is there bike storage?
• Sharers – Are flat-shares allowed or is the building focused on single households/couples?
• Smoking – Any restrictions that might be relevant to you or visitors?

If one of these is a non-negotiable for you (e.g. you have a dog, you need parking), get clarity before you book.

7. Read a handful of recent reviews

No building will have perfect reviews, but a quick scan can tell you a lot about how issues are handled.

Look for patterns around:

• How quickly repairs are dealt with
• How responsive and visible the on-site team are
• Cleanliness of common areas
• Noise issues and how they're managed

One or two negative reviews on their own don't say much. Repeated themes do.

8. Make a short list of questions for the viewing

Once a property has passed the basic checks, it's worth lining up a few questions to ask on the day.

You might want to ask about:

• Average broadband options and speeds
• How maintenance is reported and turnaround times
• Typical utility costs for a similar apartment
• How secure parcel delivery is handled
• What happens at the end of the lease (renewals, rent reviews)

Turning up with a short list stops you forgetting something important and helps you compare developments more fairly.

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In summary

Before you book a viewing, check:

• The total monthly cost is realistic
• The location works for your commute and daily life
• The building and management style suit you
• The apartment layout matches how you live or work
• Policies on pets, parking and sharers fit your situation
• Reviews suggest a building that's run properly, not just nicely photographed

Do that, and the viewings you book are far more likely to be places where you can genuinely picture yourself living, not just another afternoon lost on trains and buses.