A site visit is where a property stops being a set of photos and becomes a real place. It is also your best chance to spot problems that no listing will mention. Use this checklist to make the most of your time on site, whether you are looking at a plot, a house or an apartment.

Before you go

  • Bring the details: the listing, any layout or plan, and your list of open questions.
  • Pack a few tools: your phone for photos and notes, a measuring tape, and a torch for dark corners and meter boxes.
  • Visit in daylight so you can judge light, condition and surroundings properly.
  • Plan a second visit at a different time if you are serious – for example during the morning rush hour, in the evening, or after heavy rain.

The journey there

Your daily journey is part of the property. Notice how long it takes at the time you would normally travel, the condition of the approach road, whether it is lit at night, and how close the nearest bus stop or main road is. A short distance on a map can be a long trip in real traffic.

If you are visiting a plot or land

  • Ask to be shown the boundary stones or markers, and check that the site matches the layout or sketch you were given.
  • Check the width and condition of the road that gives access to the plot, and who maintains it.
  • Look at the level of the land compared with the road and neighbouring plots. Low ground and marks of standing water can mean drainage problems in the rainy season.
  • Note how the neighbouring land is used today, and whether there are power lines, water channels or other features crossing the site.
  • Ask where the nearest electricity connection and water source are.

If you are visiting a house or apartment

  • Walls and ceilings: look for cracks, damp patches, peeling paint and fresh paint in only one spot, which can hide a problem.
  • Water: open a few taps to check pressure and colour, and ask about the water source and storage.
  • Electrics: try switches and sockets, look at the meter and wiring, and ask about power backup.
  • Doors and windows: check that they open, close and lock properly.
  • Light and air: notice which rooms get natural light and whether there is cross-ventilation.
  • Kitchen and bathrooms: check for leaks under sinks and around fittings.

For apartments, also look at the shared spaces: the lift, staircases, parking, security arrangements and the general upkeep of the building. Well-kept common areas often say a lot about how a building is managed.

Around the neighbourhood

Take a short walk or drive around the area. Look for the everyday places you will need – shops, schools, clinics or hospitals, places of worship – and notice the noise level and any construction nearby. If you get the chance, a friendly conversation with a neighbour or shopkeeper can tell you about water supply, flooding or traffic in a way that no document can.

Questions to ask before you leave

  1. Which documents and approvals are available for me, or my lawyer, to review?
  2. Is the area or size on the listing confirmed, and how was it measured?
  3. What is included in the sale, such as fittings, parking or storage?
  4. Are there monthly maintenance charges or any pending dues?
  5. Is anyone currently living in or using the property?
  6. What are the next steps if I want to go ahead?

After the visit

Write your notes and sort your photos on the same day, while the details are fresh. Add what you learned to your comparison list and mark any question that still needs an answer. If the property is still a strong contender, ask for copies of the relevant documents so they can be checked by a qualified professional before you make any commitment.

Plan your visit with us

Our team arranges visits to the projects we list and can tell you in advance what to look out for. Send us an enquiry with the project name and a few times that suit you.