Viewing Trips
Research the trip
A sensible itinerary on an viewing trip will make the most of your time in the area with an agent – but not try to pack too much in as this may leave you confused.
Will you benefit from some time to look around yourself?
Prepare questions before the trip, and once you’re there, keep a clear head during viewings, and don’t be afraid to speak up with your questions or concerns.
Meeting people face to face at property exhibitions such as A Place in the Sun Live can be a great way to set the wheels in motion. Many happy purchasers started their property hunt in exactly this fashion.
We have our Live event in Manchester taking place in just over 2 weeks - book your tickets to speak with estate agents here.
Some things to think about when you are looking at properties:
1) Set out any particular requirements you have for your property hunt before you go on your viewing trip. Are there any important details missing? It’s often what is not mentioned that can be relevant to how suitable the property is than what is. Make notes on them and take them with you on the trip.
2) Whether you are looking at a wide area or just properties within one town, make sure you know your baring's, check a map, and visit different homes. Your agent should supply you with a map if you ask in advance.
3) Take lots of pictures as you see each property - and the views from them (very important!). You won't be able to recall various details from multiple properties at a later date.
4) Consider each property's location as you see it - how near are the neighbours, how loud are the surroundings, but also what is its orientation - does the balcony get the morning and/or evening sun, and which would you prefer most? Take videos of you wandering around outside the property what can you see, is there anything that is of concern?
5) If the property is in a development, what are the communal areas like? Are they well looked after? Ask about monthly community fees (or service charges) - generally the more sophisticated the shared areas or landscaping is, the more they will be. Golf courses, multiple swimming pools and onsite amenities generally push up the price.
6) Look at the quality of the build. How is the property wearing - if it’s a resale. And if it is a new-build are there any snagging issues you should be aware of?
7) Visualise yourself in the property and how would you live in it it. Would it work well for the guests you would have staying? A large consideration people overlook is if it’s a long-term purchase, will it still suit you in 10 or 20 years?
8) For a new build, consider the positioning of the plot or property - not everyone’s priorities are the same. A corner villa plot or end-of-block apartment will often be most popular for greater privacy.
9) Do you need to see any of the properties again? Most people will end up seeing a different or additional set of properties on the second, or third visit.
10) Don’t forget to ask about things not directly related to the property - where are the local schools, hospitals, public transport etc.
Tips for successful trips
- Do your research and agree the terms of the trip in advance
- Discuss in advance the schedule and what properties you will see
- Pay your way for more freedom
- Take a map, make notes and take pictures as you go
- Make the most of the one-to-one time with agents to ask about anything you need to know
- Keep a cool head – don’t feel pressurised to buy on the spot
Download our viewing trips guide
Plan ahead with A Place in the Sun Currency
Did you know, it is a good idea to have a think about currency before you go on your viewing trip. Currency transfer will be a necessary step in your journey to buying overseas, no matter where you are buying.
A Place in the Sun Currency has been specifically designed for this process, from a deposit on a house through to completion, for regular monthly payments and one-off transactions. With lower fees, better exchange rates, dedicated account managers all in place to assist you with all your currency needs.
Benefit from a Forward Contract - which is used to fix and thereby guarantee an exchange rate now, and for up to two years in the future. Designed to avoid the risk of a falling exchange rate increasing the cost of a payment, utilising a Forward Contract you can forget about tracking and monitoring exchange rates.
You wouldn't buy a property in the UK without knowing the exact price first, why do it when buying a property abroad?
Sign up to A Place in the Sun Currency, there is no cost and you are not committing to using the service. Or, find out more about Forward Contracts here.
Find out more about A Place in the Sun Currency
Take a look through the whole Masterclass programme by clicking on each of the links below!
Masterclass 2. Finding your perfect property
Masterclass 3. Let's get the ball rolling!
Masterclass 4. Get the conversations going
Masterclass 5. Are you making a permanent move?
Masterclass 6. Make the most of our Webinars
