Can you actually live here? A guide to home viewings

When searching for your future home, it’s easy to become blinded by pretty downlights, a curated kitchen, and stylish living rooms; but, while a home might look picture-perfect, it might not be perfect for you. To help you look beyond the finishes and focus on what really matters, here are some key things to consider when viewing a potential home.

Will it support your lifestyle

“It is easy to be won over by beautiful finishes and carefully staged rooms, but these features can sometimes distract from what will matter most once you move in. Buyers should approach each property viewing with one crucial question in mind: can I actually live here?” says Adrian Goslett, CEO and regional director of REMAX Southern Africa.

“Think beyond how the home looks on the day and focus on how well it will support your lifestyle. Consider aspects such as storage, security, outdoor space, and maintenance, as well as proximity to schools, work and other amenities. A home might look great, but the right property shouldn’t just look nice, it should also work for your everyday life.

Kitchen and bathroom space

Kitchens and bathrooms remain among the most important spaces for potential buyers, as these are the most frequently used and costly areas of a home to update. When viewing a home, you need to think about how you utilise these spaces. What are your needs when it comes to these rooms?

“Perhaps you have little ones who aren’t old enough to use a shower, or maybe you’re someone who prefers to cook at home and require ample storage and countertop space. These are the things you need to think about when looking at kitchens and bathrooms, as these spaces cannot always be easily or affordably updated,” explains Goslett.

Maintenance requirements

Another consideration that is often overlooked during a viewing is maintenance. Buyers should consider how willing they are to spend their time, energy and money maintaining a property. Goslett suggests that those who enjoy DIY projects might find an older home appealing, while buyers who prefer a more low-maintenance lifestyle may be better suited to a newer home. “Thinking realistically about how much upkeep you are prepared to take on can help ensure that the home you fall in love with during a viewing is also one you will enjoy living in long after moving day,” he notes.

Storage space

Are you a fashionista who refuses to part with your closet, or perhaps you’re an avid camper with plenty of camping gear? Storage is an important consideration when viewing a home, as a lack of it can quickly make a space feel cluttered. As a top tip, look beyond bedroom cupboards and consider where you will store your linen, luggage, cleaning supplies and other household items.

Security mesures

For many South Africans, security is a top priority, especially when choosing a home. Goslett recommends that buyers look at the neighbourhood for clues about the level of security residents typically need. “Are cars parked on the street, or mostly behind gates? Do nearby homes have burglar bars or other visible security measures? Then compare the property you’re viewing to those around it, and decide if it will need additional security upgrades. You need to decide if it is a neighbourhood you will feel safe to live in,” says Goslett.  

Outdoor space

The last factor Goslett urges buyers to consider is how they prefer to spend their time outdoors and in the garden. Do you enjoy hosting friends around a braai or need a garden where the kids can play? According to Goslett, the right outdoor area is not necessarily the biggest one, but the one you can genuinely see yourself using.

“Remember that everyone’s needs are different, so focus on finding a home that works best for you. Make a list of what matters most to you in a home, then reach out to your local agent who can help you find a property that complements your needs and lifestyle,” concludes Goslett.

Issued by Kesia Cloete