When considering buying a property, first impressions matter. However, with the availability of online tools and resources, you can learn a lot about a property without even stepping inside. Here are five effective ways to assess a property remotely to determine if it’s worth further consideration:

1. Research the Local Market and Neighbourhood

Before delving into the specifics of a property, start by researching the local real estate market and the neighbourhood in which it is located. Understand the average property prices, the rate of growth, and trends in recent sales. This will give you a benchmark to compare the property’s asking price and potential for appreciation.

Additionally, explore the neighbourhood’s amenities, such as proximity to schools, public transport, shopping centres, parks, and healthcare facilities. Look into the crime rate, future development plans, and the overall vibe of the area. Websites like Rightmove, or local government planning sites can provide valuable insights. A desirable neighbourhood with good amenities can significantly impact a property’s long-term value and appeal.

2. Utilise Online Property Listings and Virtual Tours

Online property listings often provide a wealth of information, including photos, floor plans and virtual tours. High-quality photos can reveal the property’s curb appeal, outdoor spaces, and key interior features, helping you visualise its layout and style. Pay attention to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, assess the size of each room, and the overall flow of the house.

Many listings now offer 3D virtual tours, allowing you to “walk through” the property remotely. Virtual tours can give you a better sense of the property’s layout and space utilisation, identifying any awkward room placements or unusual features. You can also assess the property’s condition, noting any obvious signs of damage, wear and tear, or recent renovations.

3. Check the Property’s Google Street View and Satellite Images

Google Street View and satellite images provide a valuable perspective on the property’s surroundings. By using Google Street View, you can “walk” around the neighbourhood and see the property from different angles. This helps assess the condition of neighbouring properties, the street’s cleanliness, and any nearby commercial or industrial facilities that might affect the property’s desirability.

Satellite images provide a broader view, helping you understand the property’s position in relation to its surroundings. This can reveal things like proximity to busy roads, railway tracks, power lines or natural features like rivers or forests. Such details can influence the property’s noise levels, safety and potential for flooding or other environmental concerns.

4. Investigate Historical Property Data

Before committing to a property, it’s important to understand its history. Property websites and local government databases often provide historical data on a property’s past sales, ownership changes, and price trends. This can give you a sense of how the property has appreciated over time and whether its current asking price is reasonable.

Additionally, researching the property’s history can reveal any legal issues, such as disputes, liens, or zoning restrictions that could impact future use or resale value. In some regions, you can also access building permit records to check for any major renovations or structural changes, ensuring these were done legally and safely.

5. Review Local Infrastructure and Future Development Plans

A property’s value is heavily influenced by the local infrastructure and any planned developments. Check local government or planning authority websites to understand ongoing or future projects in the area, such as new roads, public transport links, commercial developments, or residential projects.

While new infrastructure can enhance property value, certain types of development—like a new highway or a large commercial project—could negatively impact noise levels, traffic, or even lead to overcrowding. Conversely, plans for a new park, school, or shopping centre can be seen as a positive development, potentially increasing the property’s value and appeal.

Alan Cooke has been selling properties for over six decades and we are known for our honest and transparent approach. We will give you a fair assessment of the areas you are looking to purchase a property in, and can support you to closely match your criteria for a local area with your property search.

Register with us today to start your property search with Alan Cooke Estate Agents.