Flat viewings are often presented as a chance to see your potential new home. In reality, they can also be a useful opportunity to pick up on small details that don’t quite feel right.
Sometimes it’s not what you see, but what you hear that gives things away.
Here are ten of the worst things to hear when you’re viewing a flat.
1. “It’s usually not like this.”
A sentence that suggests what you’re seeing right now is, in fact, quite normal.
2. “We’re all pretty relaxed about cleaning.”
A phrase that can mean very different things depending on the house. You can see the bin should have been taken out at least a week ago.
3. “The landlord is actually really chill.”
Often said in a way that makes you slightly concerned. Would the landlord ever fix the broken washing machine?
4. “You’ll barely notice the noise.”
Which immediately makes you aware of every sound in the building, especially the constant drilling.
5. “We’ve never had any issues with the neighbours.”
Said just a little too quickly but even while you were outside, you could hear the dull thud of an aspiring DJ.
6. “We don’t really use the living room.”
Which raises the question of why, or if one even exists.
7. “Someone is moving out suddenly.”
A detail that invites further questions you may not want the answers to. Were they forced out? Are they on the run?
8. “We usually just share everything.”
A sentence that sounds friendly but may come with some unspoken expectations. They’ll use your expensive olive oil in exchange for an out-of-date tin of baked beans.
9. “The heating works most of the time.”
Not the reassurance you were hoping for. It’s the middle of winter.
10. “You’ll get used to it.”
Whether it’s the faint musty smell, the creaky door, or the scratches and droppings you can only associate with a rodent problem.
Flat viewings rarely tell you everything, but small comments can be surprisingly revealing. If something feels slightly off, it’s often worth paying attention to.
