Buying your first home is one of life's most exciting milestones. Whether you're viewing a newly built property or a period home full of character, knowing what to check can help you feel more confident and informed.

This simple house viewing checklist covers some of the key areas first-time buyers should consider when viewing a property in Ireland, from its overall condition and energy efficiency to practical questions you may want to ask before making an offer.

What should you check when viewing a house?

It's easy to imagine where the sofa will go or how you'll decorate the spare room, but taking a structured approach during a viewing can help you compare properties more confidently.

Here are some important areas worth checking:

1. The overall condition of the property

   Every home has its own character and may need some updates over time. As you walk through the property, take note of the general condition of walls, ceilings, and floors.

   You may also want to ask:

   • When was the property last renovated?
   • Have any major works been completed recently?
   • Are there guarantees for any improvements?
    

   For a new build, you could also ask:

   • What warranty or structural guarantee comes with the property?
   • Have any snagging issues been identified or resolved?
   • Are all phases of the development completed, or is further construction planned nearby?
   • What energy rating and heating systems does the property have?

   Understanding the property's maintenance history, warranties, and any future development plans can help you plan ahead and budget more accurately.

2. Heating, plumbing and everyday comfort

   A comfortable home is about more than how it looks. Consider asking:

   • What type of heating system is installed?
   • When was the boiler last serviced?
   • Are there any recent upgrades to plumbing or heating?

   Simple checks such as running taps and checking water pressure can also give you a better sense of how the home functions day-to-day.

3. Energy efficiency and insulation

   Energy efficiency has become an increasingly important consideration for homeowners in Ireland.

   When viewing a property, it can be useful to find out:

   • What is the BER rating? This is a rating given to the property based on how energy efficient it is.
   • Are the windows double glazed?
   • Has insulation been added or upgraded?

   A more energy-efficient home can help improve comfort throughout the year and may reduce ongoing energy costs.

4. Windows, doors and natural light

   Windows and doors play an important role in both comfort and security in a home.

   Take a look at:

   • Whether doors and windows open and close smoothly.
   • The amount of natural light entering the property.
   • The overall condition of frames and seals.

   These details can help paint a more complete picture of the home's condition.

What should you check outside the property?

The exterior can tell you just as much about a home as the interior.

Roof, gutters and drainage

Ask about any recent maintenance or improvements to the roof, gutters and drainage systems. A well-maintained exterior can help protect the property and reduce future upkeep requirements.

Garden and outdoor space

Outdoor space can be a valuable feature, especially if you plan to spend time gardening, entertaining or raising a family.

You may want to check:

• Boundary details and ownership.
• Any shared access arrangements.
• The amount of sunlight the garden receives throughout the day.
• Whether mature trees could affect future landscaping plans.
• The current parking situation.

The surrounding area

A property viewing is also an opportunity to explore the neighbourhood.

Consider:

• Local transport links.
• Nearby schools and amenities.
• Walking routes and green spaces.
• Commute times to work or study.

Finding the right location is often just as important as finding the right home.

Questions to ask when viewing a house in Ireland

Many first-time buyers find it helpful to prepare a few questions in advance.

Some useful examples include:

• Why is the property being sold?
• How long has it been on the market?
• What is included in the sale?
• Have any significant improvements been made recently?
• What is the BER rating?
• Are there management fees or service charges?

Having these questions ready can help you gather the information you need to make a confident decision. If you want to have a full picture of the home-buying journey, check out the steps to buying a house in Ireland.

Making first-time buying easier

Don’t forget that a potential repair may not be the only expense you will encounter, see our blog on the costs of buying a house in Ireland.

As a first-time buyer, you have enough on your plate trying to pick out your dream home. That is why at Avant Money we keep things simple, with a range of products that work for real people.

If you like getting a little something back, our Fixed Term Mortgages give you peace of mind on repayments, plus you can get cashback when you draw down a new mortgage with us. Get 2% if you take a 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 year fixed rate or get 1% if you choose our One Mortgage (there is no cashback on the Flex Mortgage or the 4-year High Value Mortgage)*. This can go straight towards those moving day costs.

Prefer something for the longer term? The One Mortgage is the only mortgage in Ireland that offers a fixed mortgage rate for the full mortgage term, so your repayment never changes¹.

Now here is your house viewing checklist to take away and best of luck:

¹ One Mortgage unique/only claim and claim of competitive follow-on variable rates based on comparison against competitor mortgage products as advertised on their websites at 1st August 2026. One Mortgage is designed to give a fixed rate for the full mortgage term (between 5 and 30 years), whereas competitor fixed rate mortgage products are designed to provide a fixed rate for a set number of years (between 1 and 10), following which they revert to a managed variable rate or a new fixed rate.

* 2% Cashback incentive is available on eligible New or Top-Up Mortgages drawn down between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026. For phased drawdown mortgages, the cashback amount will be calculated based on the initial mortgage drawdown amount. Qualifying criteria & exclusions apply.

* Payment of 2% Cashback will be paid within 2 months of drawdown.

** 1% cashback also available on a One Mortgage.

Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. The monthly repayment on a 20-year mortgage with Loan to Value (LTV) greater than 80% with variable borrowing rate of 3.95% on a mortgage of €100,000 is €603.35 for 240 months. Total amount repayable is €145,028.74. If interest rates increase by 1% an additional €53.85 would be payable per month. For this example, Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) of 4.0% applies and consists of variable borrowing rate of 3.95%, valuation fee of €185, and security release fee of €40. LTV is the amount borrowed as percentage of the value of your home. Information correct at 10th March 2026 and subject to change. You mortgage your home to secure the loan. Maximum loan is generally 3.5 times gross annual income (4.0 for first time buyers) and 90% of the property value (80% for switchers). The cost of your monthly repayments may increase – if you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home. Applications from residents of ROI over the age of 18 only, and subject to repayment capacity, financial status and property valuation. We require property and life insurance.