Open Home Checklist

An open home helps you decide whether a property deserves a closer look. Go with a short list of what matters to your household, then make notes while the details are fresh. The aim is to separate a home you like from the questions you need answered before buying.

Start with your everyday needs

Consider how you would use the rooms, where your furniture would go and whether the storage works for you. Look at steps, doorways, parking and the route between the kitchen, living areas and outdoors. If your needs may change, think about which features would be difficult or expensive to alter.

Notice light and privacy, and visit the surrounding streets at a time that reflects your normal routine. Try the route to the places you actually use. Confirm school enrolment zones for the exact address rather than relying on a nearby school’s name in a listing.

Look carefully, without trying to diagnose the building

• Look for signs of dampness, staining or repairs and ask what is known about them.
• Consider visible condition and maintenance, including windows, exterior surfaces and any retaining walls.
• Check useful storage and the practical size of parking and outdoor areas.
• Ask before taking photographs or testing anything, and respect the occupants’ belongings.

Record questions rather than assuming you know a defect’s cause or repair cost. A fresh finish is not a substitute for understanding the home’s construction and history. A viewing cannot replace an appropriately qualified building inspection or specialist assessment.

Ask for the information behind the presentation

Find out which title, LIM, council records, inspection reports and other documents are available. Ask about known alterations, consents and completion records. For a Christchurch home, relevant earthquake assessments, repairs and insurance information may need careful review.

Have your lawyer explain the ownership type, shared access or facilities, easements, covenants and any documents needed for a cross-lease or unit-title property. Ask a building professional what inspections or additional reports are appropriate for this home. Confirm acceptable insurance and property-specific lending requirements with your providers.

Understand the campaign and your next deadline

Ask how offers will be considered, whether there is an auction or closing date, and whether an earlier offer can change the process. Tell the salesperson if you are interested so you can receive relevant campaign updates. Allow enough time for your own advice and checks.

If more than one current written offer is involved, ask for the multi-offer process and its paperwork to be explained. Consider price, conditions, deposit and settlement with your lawyer. Do not drop protections you still need simply because other people are viewing the property.

Make your second look more useful

After the viewing, put your notes into three groups: what works, what needs checking and what would change your decision. Share the questions with the salesperson and your advisers. If a second visit would help, explain what you need to see or clarify.

Read Settled’s open-home guidance and its multi-offer explanation. Our buying guide connects the viewing with finance, due diligence and settlement, while the auction guide explains preparation for bidding.

Browse upcoming open homes, contact the listing salesperson about a particular property or call 03 332 2080 for the Barrington office.

Use the contact form below for a general buying question, or contact the listing salesperson to discuss a particular property and arrange a further viewing.