Top tips if you’re buying a property ‘sight unseen’

While buying ‘sight unseen’ might feel like the preserve of professional investors and international purchasers, it is becoming a more popular option for a variety of buyers. Move Places weighs up the risks and rewards that come with buying ‘sight unseen’.

What does buying ‘sight unseen’ mean?

Buying ‘sight unseen’ - also referred to as ‘buying blind’ - is when you buy a property without having viewed it in person. Instead, you might have studied photographs, taken a virtual tour and conducted in-depth research.

Why choose to buy ‘sight unseen’?

There are some practical reasons why you might consider buying ‘sight unseen’. These include:

• Location: it may be tricky or impractical to visit in person, especially if the property in question is in a different part of the country – or the world!
• Time constraints: you may decide to snap up a property without seeing it so you don’t miss out, especially if your time is taken by work and personal commitments.
• Investment opportunities: confident investors who have done their research often make quick decisions in order to beat buying rivals.
• Purchasing at auction: properties sold at auction can be difficult to access, so there may be no choice but to bid without seeing the dwelling in the flesh.

The risks of buying blind

Buying ‘sight unseen’ can come with significant risks, as a handful of photos and a written property description rarely capture the full condition of a property. Many buyers rely on gut feeling when it comes to decision making, while others prefer to feel and smell when there could be issues.

Top tips for buying ‘sight unseen’

That’s not to say buying ‘sight unseen’ is always a disaster. There are ways and means to reduce the risk, as follows:

Get someone to view on your behalf

If you’re able to, send someone to view the property on your behalf. It will help to give them a list of things you want them to check. Ask them to take close-up photos so you can see issues in more detail or, even better, get them to live video call you from the property for the next best thing to an in-person viewing.

Research, research, research

Conduct background checks on both the property itself and the local area. Study photos in detail, examine floorplans and room sizes, look at current and past property values to benchmark the asking price, and use Google’s street view to tour the local area. It’s also invaluable to search lodged planning applications in the locale, noting anything that could compromise the home’s value.

Check all material information is available

Material information is a collection of details that may influence whether a buyer puts in an offer and what that offer should be. Under current legislation, as set out in the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, estate agents have a legal obligation not to omit material information from property listings. Current regulations stipulate that a property’s council tax band or rate, the property price and tenure information must appear on property listings.

Commission a survey

If you are buying ’sight unseen’, it is essential that you commission a survey appropriate for the property’s age, construction and condition. When the survey report is returned, examine it with a fine tooth comb and consult with the sales agent on matters of concern. If you want to request remedial work is completed before you make an offer, contact your solicitor.

What are the advantages to buying sight unseen?

If you are aiming to grab a bargain, not having to wait to conduct viewings can put you a step ahead of others. This is especially true if the property is being offered at a low price for quick sale and in a competitive market.

Thinking of buying blind?

Move Places can give you the confidence to buy ‘sight unseen’. Our experts are honest and transparent about the condition of a property, and our prices reflect this. If you have found a property for sale on our website and want to make a ‘sight unseen’ offer, please get in touch.