What To do When Viewing A Rental Property
The Edinburgh lettings market is notoriously fast-paced and you may have to be prepared to act quickly to secure the property that you want. As the leading Edinburgh Lettings Agent, we have put together our 3 top tips for property viewings to help you narrow down your search and find the right property for you.
1. Get in quickly
Edinburgh lettings agents find properties tend to let very quickly, this is especially true for one and two-bedroom properties, so it is advisable to arrange a viewing as soon as you see the property advertised.
Keep an eye on/ our website to see our new property listings and register with Clan Gordon to receive updates when properties matching your search criteria become available. All of the main property portals – Rightmove, Zoopla, CityLets, LettingWeb, PrimeLocation – have property alert services.
2. Invite a friend along
When it comes to property viewings it is beneficial to have a friend with you to provide impartial advice and to make sure that you don’t miss any of the smaller details that can be easily overlooked.
Also, try to make sure that everyone who wants to see the property is at the initial viewing. Arranging multiple viewings for flatmates on different dates and times will slow down the process and may result in you missing out on a property.
3. Have questions prepared
Having already looked at the property advert online you will have a rough idea of what the property is like. This gives you the opportunity to prepare some questions in advance. What you want to ask will very much depend upon what factors are most important to you.
It can be easy to get caught up in the moment on a lettings property viewing, especially if you are feeling pressurised to find somewhere to live quickly. However, in order to ensure that you are happy and comfortable in your new home, it is important to consider details such as:
- Is the property secure?
A viewing is a good opportunity to ensure that the property is secure. Pay attention to the main door, windows, garden perimeter and check the entry phone system is working.
- Is the building factored?
Landlords will generally cover building factoring costs, however, as factoring generally includes communal cleaning and maintenance, it is worth knowing in advance if this service is provided. If the building is not factored tenants may be responsible to help maintain cleanliness in communal stairways.
- How is the property heated?
The type of heating system can have an effect on the running costs of the property. The type of heating system is generally listed in the property advert so do some research to make sure you are happy with the system that is in place.
- Is there enough storage?
Storage is an area that can be easily overlooked on a viewing but can make a big difference to living comfortably in a property. Some tenants require more storage than others so this is entirely down to personal preference.
Bike storage is another point to consider. If you have a bike that you use regularly, don’t forget to check that there is a secure storage area in or around the property. During the viewing you may also be able to see where neighbours store their bikes.
- Is the water pressure strong enough?
Again, this is largely down to personal preference. Don’t be afraid to check the water pressure by running a tap when you are at a property viewing. You can also check if the shower is electric or mains powered if you have a preference for this.
- What is included in the property?
Regardless of if the property is furnished or unfurnished, you should always ask what is included when you are at a viewing. See here for an example list of what may be included in furnished and unfurnished properties, however, this can vary from property to property.
Some tenants might have their own furniture, even in furnished properties, so do not assume that all of the furnishings will be included if you do rent the property.
- What is the area like?
A property viewing is a great opportunity to check out the local area. Most Edinburgh letting agents will advise prospective tenants to take note of factors such as neighbouring properties, nearby establishments that may be open late, and adequate street lighting.
- Is parking included?
If parking is a requirement you should make sure that the property you are interested in provides either off-street, on-street or permit parking. Information on parking availability is usually included in the property description.
Clan Gordon Property Viewings
As Edinburgh's best letting agent, Clan Gordon aims to conduct individual viewings where possible, giving every applicant the time to ask questions and familiarise themselves with the property. Contact us or phone 0131 555 4444 to arrange a viewing for any of our available properties.