Questions to Ask When Viewing a House or Flat in Crete, Greece

Below we’ve listed some of the most important parameters you should evaluate during a property viewing. This article provides general questions you may ask to assess the overall suitability of the house or flat you’re viewing to facilitate your decision making.

Here’s a basic property viewing checklist for you to keep in mind when walking around the structure:

• Is there a private entrance to the property?
• How old are the electrics, plumbing, and central heating system?
• Does the property include a fully operational elevator?
• Is there a central heating or solar panels?
• How old is the construction?
• Is it big enough?
• Does it have parking area?
• Will the property need renovation to meet your standards?

Download Your House Viewing Checklist

A General House Viewing Checklist

Would you spend just 10 minutes viewing a property that is going to be your home in Crete? 

The key in making a successful purchase is being confident that the property is a good match with your objectives, which means you should visit the property in person. Here’s a basic viewing checklist for you to keep in mind when walking around a house or flat:

• Is the building structurally sound?
• How much storage space is there?
• What is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the property?
• Are the rooms big enough for your needs?
• Inside each room
• Does the electricity network work correctly?
• Are there any exposed wires?
• Does the plumping system work correctly?
• Is the flooring and roof in good condition?
• Are there any signs of damp or condensation?
• Even if you can’t see any, can you smell it?
• Can you see any cracks in the walls/ceiling?
• Is there much storage?
• Are any fireplaces, central heating functional and do chimneys work?
• Are you very overlooked by adjacent properties?

How Long Should a Property Viewing Last?

Property viewings are all different and so there’s no set time for how long a viewing should last. However, in 2020, Think Crete Real Estate discovered that 36% of people in Crete spent 20 minutes or less on a property viewing (house or flat) – only 5% of people spent one hour or more at the property.

The Area Around the Property

The area, the local amenities, the distances to the public transport and infrastructure and the overall feel of the neighberhood is as important as the property itself. Keep in mind the following questions when viewing a property so that you can determine if the local area suits you and your needs:

• Are there good transport links?
• Is it noisy?
• Where is the nearest store? Can you walk to shops or do you have to drive?
• Are there any plans for new developments?
• What is the crime rate? Do you feel safe and secure?
• What is parking in the immediate vicinity like?
• Do the neighbours seem pleasant?

And most importantly, does it feel like you could make it your home in Crete?

Property Checklist (Inside & Outside Areas)

Window & Door Frames

• Do they open and close easily?
• Single/double/triple glazing
• Are the frames in good condition?
• Do the locks work and are there keys?

Bathroom & Plumbing System

• Do the taps work correctly?
• How long does it take for hot water to come through?
• Does the solar panel work correctly?
• How strong is the water pressure in the shower?
• Is there a bath or just a WC?

Garden

• How much work/maintenance is required?
• How overlooked is it?
• Is there an agricultural water connection or just the drinking water?
• What is the current condition of the BBQ area and the pool?

Exterior Areas

• What are the general condition and age like?
• Are there any cracks in the walls?

Roof

• Are there any missing/cracked tiles?
• Are the chimneys straight?
• What state are the drains and gutters?
• Do the fascias and soffits look good?

General

• Is there a garage, off-road or on-road parking?
• If on-road, will you need a permit?
• Are there working burglar and fire alarms?
• What is the current condition of the boiler?

If you’re viewing a flat

• How old is the construction?
• What is the condition of the elevator?
• What is the condition of and the stairs?
• What condition are the communal areas in?
• What are the views from the balconies?
• Do you have access to the roof?
• Do you have access to the boiler room?
• Is there any outdoor space and if so is it shared?
• Is there a private parking space ?
• How much noise do you hear?

Think Crete Real Estate Suggestions

View the property more than once. The more times you view a property, the more likely you are to identify potential problems and issues. Our research has found that 24% of people viewed their current property once before buying it, 38% twice, 28% three times and 10% four or more times.

We’d recommend viewing the property two to three times, at different times of day, to realize how the property looks like or how the traffic and surrounding noises change – if any.

Confirm what are the shared areas of the property. If there’s any uncertainty over who owns  the parking space or the BBQ area, make sure you find out the answer before buying the property.

Investigate the neighborhood. Spend some time walking around the area to see how close the things that matter to you the most (beach, transport links or local shops) are.

Talk to the real estate agent who proposed this property. Talk to the estate agent who is responsible for the property to find out more about the property itself and why it’s being sold.  How long is in the property market, what is the reason for selling, if there any disputes, whether anyone’s made an offer, etc.

Unlike the seller, a licensed real estate agent should tell you anything about the property. For a full list of questions to ask a Chania estate agent, visit the dedicated guide of REC (Real Estate Chania).