Would you ever buy a property without seeing it first?

Property viewings are part of the excitement of buying a new home: arriving at a strange front door, admiring someone else’s décor and imagining where you might put your own furniture. So would it surprise you to know some people purchase a property ‘blind’?

What does buying a property ‘blind’ mean?

Buying blind means a potential purchaser will make an offer on a property without visiting it in person. The practice can also be referred to as buying ‘sight unseen’. Although the buyer may not undertake a physical viewing, they will have seen floorplans, photos and potentially a video.

Why would you buy a property blind?

There are usually five main instances when someone would consider buying a property without seeing it in the flesh. They are:

• Distance: it’s not always practical for those relocating to visit every property they may potentially make an offer on, especially if the homes are located miles from where they live. 

• Competition: the most desirable homes will have a queue of potential buyers, and the first to offer frequently finds themselves in pole position. Buying blind can be deployed as a strategy if there is a delay in viewing a property.

• Investment: landlords won’t have the same emotional attachment or physical connection to a property purchase, preferring to let the figures do the talking. For this reason, investors are often happy to buy blind. 

• Time: a lack of time or flexibility can inhibit the opportunity to visit a property, with the schedules of the buyer and the seller perhaps not matching up. 

• Tenanted property: did you know that tenants have the legal right to refuse property viewings if their landlord is selling up? If access is impossible, but the property is the perfect proposition, buying blind might be the only option.

How can I reduce risk when buying blind?

Although we always advise a potential buyer to visit a property before making an offer, there are ways to mitigate risks if you are considering buying blind: 

• Scrutinise any visuals: take care when looking at photos, floorplans and virtual tours. Zoom in and check dimensions, preparing a list of questions to ask the agent.

• Request the full Material Information: agents are required to make Material Information available to prospective buyers – details about the property that the Government says ‘an average consumer needs to make an informed transactional decision’.

• Ask for a live video viewing: getting someone to view the property on your behalf is the next best thing to visiting yourself. The agent selling the property may be able to video call you from inside a property you are hoping to buy. 

• Complete online research: visiting a property is as much about checking out the local area as it is the property. Read area guides, investigate an area’s reputation on social media and ‘walk’ the locale using Google Street View.

• Order a survey: lastly, but perhaps most crucially, a survey fitting of the property’s age, condition and construction is a must when buying blind. The results should tell you everything you need to know, influencing your next step.

Is an offer legally binding?

An offer on a property is not legally binding, which is why buying blind remains a viable option. It’s possible to make an offer, undertake investigations from afar, read a survey report and withdraw the offer without penalty. Things do become more complicated once exchange has taken place.

A good estate agent will give you confidence should you be considering buying blind. Get in touch and we can support your next property move.