This short guide to property viewings in Scotland explains how to prepare online, what to focus on at the first visit, and when to plan a second viewing.
Buying well takes preparation. First visit for fit and feel; second for measurements and detail.
Who leads the viewing?
Depending on the seller’s preference, your viewing may be led by the owner or by a Hastings viewing agent. Keep any price or offer discussions for your solicitor or our negotiation agents following the viewing. We can pass on questions and clarify facts.
Before Property Viewing in Scotland
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Set your priorities: must-haves, nice-to-haves, deal-breakers.
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Check the essentials online: use the video tour for layout/flow and the Home Report for valuation, condition ratings (1–3), EPC, and the Property Questionnaire (alterations, guarantees, parking, factoring, boundaries).
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Sense-check the location: commute, schools, services, broadband/mobile, parking.
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Know your numbers: your maximum purchase price and a separate essentials budget for immediate works (an AIP doesn’t fund renovations).
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Access & mobility: if you need any access accommodations, speak to our team before booking. We’ll advise on any barriers to consider. The Home Report includes an accessibility section, and Home Reports are available for instant download from our website.
- Viewing from abroad or can’t attend in person? We have helped buyers purchase using a video tour when no one was available to view for them. If that’s your situation, speak to us and we can arrange a live video-call viewing and share the Home Report for instant download.
First Viewing: Keep It Simple
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Be on time; allow 20–30 minutes and, if you can, walk the street before/after.
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Take brief notes/photos (with permission).
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Respect the home; ask before opening cupboards or the loft.
What to Look For at a Viewing
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Feel & flow: does the layout work day-to-day?
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Light & outlook: morning/afternoon sun, overlooking.
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Condition cues: windows, rooflines, signs of damp—compare with the Home Report.
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Heating & hot water: type, age if known, radiator coverage.
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Noise & privacy: street and internal sound transfer.
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Storage & access: stairs, door widths, garden access, parking.
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Accessibility: note steps, tight turns on stairs, thresholds and parking distance. If access is important, tell us in advance so we can advise and, where possible, arrange a suitable route.
Budget, Priorities & Trade-offs
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An AIP (e.g., £200,000) relates to purchase price only. Buying at £170,000 doesn’t create £30,000 for works unless you have that cash or a suitable product.
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Decide what’s livable for now (dated décor, future WC) versus what is essential (e.g., a Condition 3 damp item).
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Verify likely costs with specialist reports or quotes where needed and allow a sensible contingency.
Balance Prep with Gut Feel
Don’t overthink the first visit. Ask: can I see myself living here? If yes, arrange a second viewing for measurements, quotes and detailed checks.
If you need anything clarified
Most basics are in the Property Questionnaire. If something isn’t covered, just let us know after the viewing and we’ll handle it with the seller.
Once a formal offer is accepted by the solicitors, further access is unlikely until missives are concluded.
• Do your second viewing before offering.
• Trades access isn’t guaranteed pre-missives and may be refused.
• A brief pre-settlement visit may be possible after missives, arranged solicitor-to-solicitor.
Next Steps in Scotland
If you’re seriously interested, ask your Scottish solicitor to note interest. You may be invited to a closing date. Offers are made solicitor-to-solicitor. Keep any price or offer discussions for your solicitor or our negotiation agents following the viewing.
Bring With You
Phone (charged), short checklist, tape measure/measuring app.
Prepare online, keep the first visit simple, and use a second viewing for detail — so you can decide with confidence and be ready if a closing date is set.
