What Should You Actually Look for at an Open Home?

Walking into an open home can be exciting. The house is clean, the cushions are perfectly arranged, the lights are on and you can already imagine where your furniture will go.

But before you mentally move in, look beyond the styling. Whether you're a first home buyer, investor, downsizer or searching for your next family home, an open home is your opportunity to look at the property more carefully.

If you're buying property in NSW or Queensland, here are some practical things to consider.

1. Start Outside

Before walking through the front door, look at the property from the street. Consider:

• General exterior condition

• Roof and gutters that are visible

• Driveways and paths

• Fences and retaining walls

• Drainage

• Gardens and large trees

• Neighbouring properties

• Street parking, traffic and noise

  
  

Think about how much maintenance the outdoor areas may require and whether they suit your lifestyle.

2. Look Beyond the Styling

Professional styling is designed to make a property appealing. Try to mentally remove the furniture and decorations. Are the rooms actually large enough? Is there enough storage and natural light? Does the floor plan work for you? Could your own furniture fit comfortably?

3. Look for Signs of Water or Moisture

You don't need to be a building inspector to notice something that deserves further investigation. Look for water marks, peeling or bubbling paint, ceiling stains, musty smells, mould, swollen cabinetry or damp-looking areas. These signs don't automatically mean there is a serious problem, but they may warrant professional investigation.

4. Check the Kitchen and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms can be expensive to renovate. Consider storage, bench space, ventilation, signs of leaks, cabinetry condition, appliance space and whether the layout works for you.

5. Think About Storage

Check bedroom wardrobes, linen cupboards, kitchen and bathroom storage, garage space and outdoor storage. Think about practical items such as bikes, surfboards, tools, prams or sporting equipment.

6. Look at Natural Light and Ventilation

Notice which rooms receive natural light and whether the home feels well ventilated. If you're seriously interested, consider visiting the street at another time. A peaceful Saturday inspection may feel different during weekday peak hour.

7. Research the Location

You're not only buying the house you're buying into the location. Research:

• Traffic and public transport

• Schools and childcare

• Shops and services

• Parks

• Noise

• Nearby development

• Future infrastructure

• Flooding and natural hazards

• Relevant council planning information

For buyers in Northern NSW and Southern Queensland, conditions can vary significantly between coastal, hinterland and urban areas.

8. Don't Forget Outdoor Areas

If the property has a pool, deck, balcony, shed or large garden, consider maintenance, safety, condition, privacy, drainage, fencing, access and ongoing costs.

9. Buying an Apartment or Townhouse? Look Beyond the Front Door

Look at common areas, lifts, stairs, parking, shared facilities and the overall condition of the complex. NSW buyers may need to consider strata arrangements, while Queensland buyers may encounter body corporate arrangements. Relevant records, levies, rules and ongoing obligations may also be important.

10. Ask What Is Included in the Sale

Don't assume everything you see during the inspection will remain. If an appliance, fixture, window covering or other item is important to you, check how it is dealt with in the contract before signing.

11. Take Notes

After viewing several properties, they can start to blur together. Make notes about what you liked, concerns you noticed, questions for the agent and anything you want your conveyancer or building and pest inspector to investigate.

12. Remember: An Open Home Isn't a Building Inspection

A walk-through is not a substitute for appropriate professional inspections. Depending on the property, contract and circumstances, building and pest inspections may help identify structural concerns, termite activity, water damage or other defects before you become unconditionally committed.

Found a Property You Love? Don't Rush the Next Step

Before making a major property decision, understand your budget, research the location, consider appropriate inspections, review the contract and understand important dates and conditions.

Found a property you love in NSW or Queensland? Contact SL Conveyancing before you commit. We can review the contract, explain the conveyancing process and help guide you from offer through to settlement.