Viewing a house safely

The overwhelming majority of viewings are entirely ordinary. These precautions cost nothing and are worth taking anyway, particularly if you are viewing alone.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
• Share the location with them, or send the Plus Code
• View in daylight, always
• Take someone with you if you can
• Meet at the property, not somewhere else first
• Keep your phone charged and in your pocket, not in a bag
• Trust your instinct — if something feels wrong, leave. You owe nobody an explanation.

Do not carry the advance to a viewing

There is no situation in which you need to hand over a large sum at a first viewing. If you are being pushed to pay on the spot, that pressure is itself the warning.

Verify who you are meeting

Ask whether they are the owner or the caretaker, and how you can confirm it. A genuine caretaker will have no difficulty putting you in touch with the owner.