When preparing for a property auction, conducting a thorough inspection of the property is essential. However, attending a physical viewing might not always be feasible. Virtual property viewing has emerged as a practical alternative, enabling buyers to assess properties from a distance. By utilising the right auction property viewing tips for virtual inspections, you can still make an informed decision while minimising travel and saving time.

Below is a comprehensive guide outlining the strategies and practical steps to conduct an effective virtual viewing before an auction. This guide covers preparation, the virtual viewing process itself, and follow-up actions to ensure you capture all the necessary details about the property.

 

Setting Up for a Successful Virtual Property Viewing

1. Gather Essential Information in Advance

Before you schedule your virtual property viewing, compile all the relevant details about the property:

• Review the Auction Listing:
  Carefully study the auction listing to understand the property’s key features, location, and any highlighted benefits or issues. Pay attention to the photographs and videos provided, but remember that they might not capture every detail.
   
• Examine the Legal Pack:
  Request and review the legal pack or documentation provided by the auction house. Look for information about title, planning permissions, and any known issues. This will help you prepare questions for the virtual viewing session.
   
• Prepare a Checklist:
  Use a detailed moving house checklist or property viewing checklist as a template, modified for virtual inspections. Include items such as structural integrity, visible damage, layout, and overall condition.
   
• Identify Your Objectives:
  Define what matters most to you—whether it’s the condition of the roof, the state of the interior finishes, or potential renovation needs. This focus will guide your virtual property viewing.
   

2. Schedule the Virtual Viewing

Once you have gathered the necessary information:

• Contact the Auction House or Seller:
  Request a virtual property viewing session. Ensure you clarify the format—whether it will be a live video call or a pre-recorded virtual tour—and ask about the duration.
   
• Confirm Technical Details:
  Verify the platform or app that will be used for the viewing (e.g., Zoom, Skype, or a dedicated virtual tour tool). Test your equipment (camera, microphone, internet connection) beforehand to avoid technical glitches during the session.
   
• Set a Date and Time:
  Choose a time when you can fully concentrate on the virtual viewing without distractions. Scheduling the session during daylight hours can also help in viewing natural lighting and outdoor conditions more accurately.
   

 

During the Virtual Property Viewing

1. Engage Actively

During the session, active participation is crucial to capture all necessary details:

• Ask Questions in Real Time:
  Make a list of specific questions based on your preliminary research. Ask about any areas of concern, such as structural damage, signs of damp, or maintenance history. Request close-up views of problematic areas if needed.
   
• Request a Walk-Through:
  Ask the host to conduct a thorough walk-through, covering all key areas such as the exterior, interior rooms, and any outbuildings. Encourage them to focus on parts that are often missed in standard listings.
   
• Clarify Uncertainties:
  If something appears unclear or questionable, request additional details or different angles. Virtual property viewing sessions offer the flexibility to pause or re-watch segments if necessary.
   

2. Observe Key Structural and Aesthetic Details

Focus on essential aspects of the property to gauge its condition accurately:

• Structural Elements:
  Look for signs of structural issues, such as cracks in walls or uneven floors. Ask the host to provide a clear view of foundations, load-bearing walls, and the roof structure. These are crucial elements that might indicate underlying problems.
   
• Interior Condition:
  Assess the condition of the floors, ceilings, and overall interior finishes. Check for visible wear and tear or areas that might require repair. Evaluate the layout and flow of the rooms, ensuring they align with your needs.
   
• Lighting and Ventilation:
  Note the natural lighting in each room and the general air flow. Adequate lighting and ventilation are essential for a comfortable living or rental environment.
   
• Exterior and Surroundings:
  Examine the building’s façade, garden, and any outdoor areas. Pay attention to the condition of driveways, fences, and landscaping. A good exterior condition often reflects overall maintenance standards.
   

3. Record and Document the Session

Make sure you capture as much information as possible:

• Take Screenshots or Record the Session:
  If permitted by the seller or auction house, record the virtual viewing or take screenshots of important areas. This documentation can be invaluable for later review or if issues arise during due diligence.
   
• Keep Detailed Notes:
  Write down your observations and any specific details that stand out. Compare these notes with your initial checklist to ensure all aspects have been covered.
   
• Follow Up:
  If certain areas need further clarification, arrange for a follow-up virtual viewing or request additional images and documentation from the seller.

 

Post-Virtual Viewing: Analysing Your Findings

1. Review and Reflect

After the virtual viewing session, take time to review your notes and any recorded materials:

• Compare with Your Checklist:
  Check each item on your moving house checklist to ensure nothing was overlooked. Highlight any concerns that require further investigation.
   
• Evaluate Condition and Investment Potential:
  Consider whether the property meets your investment criteria. Analyze the condition, potential repair costs, and overall suitability for your needs.
   
• Seek Expert Opinions:
  If you’re unsure about certain aspects, consider sharing the recordings and notes with a professional surveyor or property expert for further insights.
   

2. Follow Up with Additional Research

Virtual property viewing can reveal many details, but it might also raise new questions:

• Request Further Documentation:
  If any issues remain unclear, contact the auction house for additional photographs, videos, or documents. Clarifying uncertainties before the auction day can prevent surprises later.
   
• Conduct an In-Person Visit (If Possible):
  While virtual viewings are a valuable tool, nothing replaces an in-person inspection. If circumstances allow, schedule a follow-up visit to verify the details observed during the virtual session.
   

3. Prepare for the Auction

Use your findings from the virtual viewing to inform your bidding strategy:

• Adjust Your Bidding Budget:
  Factor in any anticipated repair costs or additional expenses revealed during the viewing. Ensure your overall investment remains within a comfortable range.
   
• Update Your Checklist:
  Incorporate any new insights into your property viewing checklist for future reference. This ongoing refinement will improve your due diligence for subsequent auctions.
   

For more detailed advice on preparing for auction property purchases, explore resources on Prior to Auction available on UK Auction List.

 

Long-Term Considerations for Virtual Viewings

While virtual property viewing is a modern and efficient tool, it’s important to integrate these sessions into a broader strategy for property inspection and due diligence:

• Consistency in Technology:
  Ensure that you use reliable technology for virtual viewings. Consistent and clear video quality can significantly enhance your ability to detect subtle issues.
   
• Combining Virtual and Physical Inspections:
  Use virtual viewings as a first step in your inspection process, followed by in-person assessments when necessary. This hybrid approach maximises both convenience and thoroughness.
   
• Staying Updated:
  As virtual viewing technology evolves, stay informed about new tools and platforms that can improve your inspection process. Leveraging the latest technology can provide you with a competitive edge in the auction market.
   

 

Leveraging UK Auction List’s Expert Resources

UK Auction List offers a range of resources designed to support you throughout the auction process. These tools can help you refine your virtual viewing techniques and ensure that you capture all necessary details before bidding:

• UK Auction List Homepage:
  Stay informed on the latest trends, news, and expert advice in the property auction market.
• Property Viewing Checklist:
  Use this detailed checklist to guide your virtual property viewing and ensure that all critical areas are assessed.
• Prior to Auction:
  Get essential advice on preparing your documentation and research before the auction.
• Benefits of Buying at Auction:
  Understand how auction investments can enhance your property portfolio and offer lucrative returns.

Utilise these resources to ensure that your virtual viewing is as effective and comprehensive as possible, setting a strong foundation for your auction bidding strategy.

 

Final Reflections

A well-executed virtual property viewing can provide a wealth of information, enabling you to make a more informed decision before bidding at auction. By using a detailed moving house checklist and following practical auction property viewing tips, you can identify potential issues, estimate repair costs, and refine your investment strategy—all from the comfort of your home.

Effective preparation, clear documentation, and expert consultation are key to maximising the benefits of virtual viewings. With the right approach, you can navigate the complexities of property inspections virtually and transition confidently into the auction process.

Wishing you a smooth virtual property viewing experience and a successful auction journey. May your careful planning lead to smart investments and a bright future in property.