First-time Buyer Journey · Step 2
View like a pro
Every viewing is an opportunity to assess a property’s condition, understand its running costs, evaluate the neighbourhood, and uncover any issues that could affect its value or your future enjoyment of the home. Approach each one with a checklist and the right questions, and you’ll make informed decisions instead of getting swept up in the moment.
Edited by
Annali Janse Van Rensburg
Senior Editor
Annali is MyProperty's resident editor, responsible for producing trusted, accessible content that helps South Africans navigate every stage of their property journey.
Heading to a viewing? Take our print-and-tick checklist with you so nothing gets missed on the day.
1Do your homework before the viewing
Preparation starts before you walk through the front door. Knowing the market helps you determine whether the asking price is reasonable and whether the property suits your long-term needs. Take time to research:
- The suburb and surrounding neighbourhoods
- Recent property sales in the area
- Nearby schools, shops and healthcare facilities
- Public transport and commuting times
- Planned developments that could affect the area
- Municipal service delivery and infrastructure
Tip: Visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day, including evenings and weekends, to get a better feel for traffic, noise levels and overall activity.
2Look beyond the finishes
Fresh paint and stylish decor can make a great first impression, but they shouldn’t distract you from assessing the property’s overall condition. Small hairline cracks are common, but large or widening cracks may require further investigation.
Walls and ceilings
- Cracks
- Damp patches
- Water stains
- Peeling paint
- Uneven surfaces
Floors
- Loose tiles
- Warped flooring
- Significant wear
- Signs of moisture
Doors and windows (they should…)
- Open smoothly
- Close properly
- Lock securely
- Show no obvious signs of movement in the building
Roof and gutters
- Missing roof tiles
- Rust
- Sagging gutters
- Water damage
Don’t hesitate to ask about the roof’s age and recent maintenance.
3Inspect the kitchen and bathrooms carefully
These are often the most expensive rooms to renovate. Ask whether any recent renovations were completed professionally and whether guarantees are available. Check:
- Water pressure
- Taps and plumbing
- Cabinet condition
- Signs of leaks under sinks
- Tile condition
- Silicone around baths and showers
- Ventilation
- Mould or mildew
4Understand the monthly costs
Buying a property involves more than paying your bond every month. Understanding these ongoing costs helps you determine the property’s true affordability. Ask about:
- Municipal rates and taxes
- Levies (if applicable)
- Homeowners Association fees
- Special levies
- Average utility costs
- Refuse removal charges
If you are buying in a sectional title scheme or residential estate, ask what the levies include and whether any special levies are planned.
5Ask the estate agent the right questions
Estate agents can provide valuable information about both the property and the surrounding area. The more you gather now, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter later. Useful questions include:
- Why is the owner selling?
- How long has the property been on the market?
- Has the asking price been reduced?
- Are there any known defects?
- What fixtures and fittings are included in the sale?
- Have there been recent renovations or extensions?
- Were alterations approved by the municipality?
- Are there any disputes involving the neighbours or the body corporate?
- Is the property currently tenanted?
- When can the property be occupied?
6Evaluate the neighbourhood
Even the perfect home may not suit your lifestyle if the surrounding area doesn’t meet your needs. Speak to neighbours if possible — they often provide insights you won’t find in a property listing. Consider:
- Traffic congestion
- Road access
- Safety and security
- Street lighting
- Public transport
- Schools
- Parks and recreational facilities
- Shopping centres
- Future developments
7Compare properties objectively
It’s easy to become emotionally attached to a beautiful home, particularly if it’s your first purchase. Instead, compare each property using the same criteria. Keeping notes and photographs after each viewing can help you compare more objectively. Consider:
- Purchase price
- Monthly ownership costs
- Property condition
- Location
- Potential maintenance
- Security
- Space for future needs
- Resale potential
8Should you arrange a professional inspection?
While not legally required, a professional home inspection can provide valuable peace of mind, particularly when buying an older property. Although there is an upfront cost, identifying major defects before finalising the purchase could save thousands of rand in future repairs. An inspection may identify issues such as:
- Structural movement
- Roof defects
- Plumbing problems
- Electrical concerns
- Damp
- Poor workmanship
- Maintenance issues
Common mistakes first-time buyers make
Rushing through the viewing
Viewing only once
Forgetting to inspect outside areas
Not asking about monthly costs
Ignoring signs of damp or structural issues
Failing to verify approved building plans
Letting emotions outweigh practical considerations
Not comparing multiple properties before making an offer
Remember, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Taking your time is almost always worthwhile.
Your viewing checklist
- Researched the suburb
- Compared recent asking prices
- Inspected the property’s condition
- Checked for damp, cracks and leaks
- Asked about rates, levies and monthly costs
- Confirmed approved alterations where applicable
- Understood what is included in the sale
- Visited the neighbourhood at different times
- Compared the property with other homes you’ve viewed
Frequently asked questions
This guide is general information to help you view a property properly. It isn’t legal advice — property condition and disclosure rules differ by situation, so for anything specific to your purchase, check with your estate agent, conveyancer or attorney.
Next step
Make your offer: Put pen to paper with confidence
You’ve found a property that meets your needs and budget. Now it’s time to understand the Offer to Purchase, negotiate confidently, and know what happens once your offer is accepted.
Still have questions?
This guide is general information to help you view properties properly — it isn’t legal advice. For an instant answer to your questions, ask our assistant. For a question about your own transaction, ask Cara directly.