What do I need to look for when viewing a property?

Finding the right student property is a fun and exciting experience - but it may also be stressful if it’s not something you’ve done before. The amount of time you have to do the viewing can be quite short, so it can be easy to worry that you will miss something important. When you're in this situation, it can help to go into house viewings with a predetermined list of what to look out for. To help, we've put together this handy list of things that you should look out for when you are looking around a student property.

Location

One of the first things to consider when viewing a student property is its location. You should make sure that the property is in an area that is safe, easily accessible, and you can easily get to your 9 am lectures. Take the time to research the area and check for transportation links, local amenities, and if it’s commonly known to be a student area (which can be a pro or con depending on your preference).

Condition of the Property

Check for any signs of wear and tear. Stuff like peeling paint might be annoying and unaesthetic, but it doesn’t pose risks. Instead, look out for more serious issues, like signs of dampness or mold. Make sure that the heating and hot water systems are in good working condition as well and don’t forget to turn on the sinks to check the water pressure.

Size of the Property

Although it may seem obvious, make sure to think carefully about the size of the room or property. It's important to ensure that there is enough space for all your belongings and that you will be comfortable living in the space. If you are looking at a house or apartment are all of the rooms the same size? If they aren't, who is taking the smaller or larger one? Will that be reflected in the individual rent prices?

Take some time to consider the size of the communal spaces in relation to the number of people living there. Do you have enough storage for everyone's food, pots, pans, plates, and other kitchen items or will you have to buy additional shelving?

Go through your day-to-day life in your head as you're walking through the property and see if everything that is important is going to be accommodated.

Safety and Security

Your safety and security should be a top priority when on a viewing. Check that the property has secure locks on all doors and windows, and ask about any security measures that are in place. Additionally, make sure that there are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms installed.

Talk to the current tenants

If possible, ask the tenants that live there if they would recommend the property. Does maintenance respond quickly? Is the landlord social and involved? Have they noticed any problems while living there? Hearing from people who have lived there is one the best ways of figuring out if this is going to be the place for you.

If you’ve viewed some properties but haven’t found the perfect house for you, feel free to take a look at the other options in your area on

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