Photos and video help you shortlist, but some things you can only check in person. Run through these eight at every viewing.
1. Facing and the west sun
The Singapore afternoon sun is strong; west-facing rooms get hot and cost more to cool. Ask which way the living room and master bedroom face, and try to visit once in the afternoon.
2. Noise
Listen with the windows shut, then open. Take extra care near main roads, elevated MRT tracks, pools and refuse chutes.
3. Corners, ceilings and windows
Look for water stains and mould, especially in bathrooms, the kitchen, under the air-con units and along window sills. If you find any, ask the owner to fix it before you move in and put it in the LOI.
4. Air-con
Run every unit to check cooling and noise, and ask when it was last serviced. Leases usually ask the tenant to service the air-con regularly.
5. Water pressure and drainage
Turn on the kitchen and bathroom taps together to check pressure, and pour water into a floor drain to see how fast it clears and whether it smells.
6. The inventory
Go through the owner's list: what stays, what goes, and who fixes what if it breaks. Ask for anything you want added, such as a dishwasher or curtains, before you sign the LOI.
7. Layout and storage
Walk from the door to the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms to see how the layout flows, and check there is enough wardrobe and storage space.
8. Facilities and getting around
Look at the pool, gym, lifts and car park, then walk to the MRT station or bus stop to see how long your commute will be.
Take photos and video at viewings; they help when you compare homes later. When we come with you, we bring a checklist and go through it together afterwards.
