Buyer’s Q&A
Fractional ownership property inspection checklist
Twenty-item checklist for the pre-purchase property viewing: structure, fixtures, finishes, systems, exterior, neighbourhood. Inspect at least twice across different times of day. Photograph everything for your own record.
The short answer: Twenty-item checklist for the pre-purchase property viewing: structure, fixtures, finishes, systems, exterior, neighbourhood. Inspect at least twice across different times of day. Photograph everything for your own record.
The full inspection checklist
Structure (5 items)
- Walk every room — pay attention to corners, ceiling joins, cracks, settling signs
- Check paint finishes throughout — crisp and consistent vs visible touch-ups
- Inspect floor finishes — wear patterns, scratches, evenness
- Check window frames and exterior walls for moisture damage
- Look at door alignment — settling can produce misaligned doors over decades
Fixtures and finishes (5 items)
- Kitchen cabinetry — open every drawer and cupboard; check hinges, soft-close mechanisms
- Kitchen appliances — turn on every major appliance to verify working order
- Bathroom fixtures — taps, showers, toilets all flush properly
- Soft furnishings — sofas, beds, linens, towels; check for wear
- Lighting — every fixture working, including outdoor lighting
Systems (4 items)
- HVAC — turn on heating and cooling; verify both work; check thermostat responsiveness
- Hot water — run at multiple taps simultaneously; verify pressure and temperature
- Internet and WiFi — verify speed and coverage throughout the property
- Security — alarm system, smart locks, security cameras (where present)
Exterior and grounds (3 items)
- Roof condition — visible from outside; missing tiles or visible weather damage
- Façade integrity — exterior walls, render, paintwork, visible cracks
- Garden and grounds — maintenance level, pool condition where applicable, paths and patios
Owner-specific (3 items)
- Owner's closet — ask to see one; check size, security, organisation
- Storage spaces — outdoor storage, garage where applicable, additional storage for owner items
- Neighbourhood — walk surrounding streets at different times (day, evening) to sense the atmosphere
How to conduct the inspection
Three practical tips. First, inspect at least twice across different times of day if possible — daytime light vs evening atmosphere reveals different things. Second, take photographs of everything — your own pre-purchase record matters if any future damage assessment becomes contested. Three, bring a notebook and check off each item as you go — easy to forget specifics across a 2-3 hour viewing.
What to ask the on-property manager during the viewing
Five questions during the visit. When was the last major refresh of kitchen / bathroom / soft furnishings? What's scheduled in the next 12 months? Any current maintenance items waiting for attention? Any operational issues that have come up in the past year? How long has the on-property team been in place?
What you're trying to assess overall
Three things the inspection tells you. First, current condition — is the property well-maintained as of today? Second, maintenance discipline — does it look like the operator catches small issues before they become large ones? Three, on-property team quality — does the manager seem knowledgeable, organised, owner-oriented?
Warning signs to watch for
Five inspection-level red flags. Inconsistent paint or touch-ups suggesting maintenance bursts rather than continuous attention. Worn or mismatched soft furnishings suggesting refresh cycles aren't happening on schedule. Appliances or systems not working properly during the viewing (often a sign of broader operational issues). Deferred maintenance visible on the exterior. On-property manager who can't answer specific questions about recent maintenance.
What to photograph
Comprehensive photo coverage helps both inspection-time assessment and any future damage-attribution disputes. Photograph: every room from multiple angles; close-ups of any specific wear or damage; kitchen and bathroom finishes; exterior from multiple angles; pool and grounds; owner's closet (if you're shown one); any obvious maintenance items.
What buyers should ask after the inspection
Three follow-up questions to the operator. Items I noticed during the inspection that look like maintenance items — are these in the planned work for the next 12 months? Can you share the property's specific maintenance history over the past 3-5 years? What is the on-property manager's contract length and tenure?
Where to find listings with viewing programmes
Co-Ownership Property's marketplace includes operators who offer comprehensive pre-purchase property viewings as standard.