Can I see the property before I buy a share?

The short answer: Absolutely — and we encourage it. In-person viewings are standard before you buy. It's the moment you walk through the rooms, take in the view, explore the neighbourhood and meet the local team who will look after your home. It's often the moment buyers fall in love with the place.

What a viewing gives you

Photos show you the home; a visit lets you feel it. A viewing shows you three things no brochure can:

• Renovation quality up close — paint finishes, joinery, fixtures, the things that determine whether the property holds value over 10 years
• The genuine sense of place — how the neighbourhood feels, the light at different times of day, the view from the terrace
• The local team — the people who'll look after your home for years to come. Twenty minutes with them tells you a lot

How a typical viewing works

For European destinations, viewings are typically half-day to full-day visits arranged with our partner's local representative, who usually covers the property tour, walks you through the home's legal set-up and co-ownership agreement, introduces you to the property manager, and gives time to walk the surrounding neighbourhood independently.

Multi-property tours are often available where you visit several listings in one trip — particularly useful if you're undecided on a specific home within a destination.

What buyers typically pay for

Viewings are usually free. Buyers cover their own travel, accommodation and meals. Occasionally part of your travel costs can be credited against the share price if you buy — confirm any such arrangement in writing before you travel.

What to actually look at during the viewing

A practical checklist:

• Walk every room — pay attention to corners, ceiling joins, paint condition, floor finishes
• Check the kitchen and bathrooms in detail (these are the most expensive to refresh)
• Run hot water at multiple taps; flush every toilet; turn on the HVAC at different settings
• Open and close the windows and doors
• Walk the exterior — roof condition, façade integrity, gutters, drainage, garden maintenance
• Walk the neighbourhood at different times if possible — daytime, dusk, with traffic
• Ask to see the owner's closet for the specific share you're considering
• Ask to see the property manager's office or contact arrangements
• Ask to see one of the existing co-owners' booking patterns (anonymised)

Questions to ask during the viewing

How has the home run since launch, and have there been any special assessments? What does resale activity look like for this home? Can you take the co-ownership agreement away for your lawyer to review? Could you speak to an existing co-owner (with their permission)?

What if you can't travel for a viewing

Video walk-throughs and live video calls with the local property manager are a great first step from home. We still recommend visiting in person before you sign — it's the best part of the journey.

Where to find homes to view

Co-Ownership Property's selection lists homes from partners who offer in-person viewings as standard.

Further reading

• Is fractional ownership safe?
• How does fractional ownership work?

Related questions

• Is fractional ownership safe?
• How does fractional ownership work?