Published 16 March 2026. Figures and market conditions described here were current at that time and may have changed since.
Attending open homes is often one of the most exciting parts of the property search.
After browsing listings online and narrowing down your options, stepping inside a property could help you get a much better sense of whether it might suit your needs.
However, inspections could move quickly, and it’s easy to get caught up in presentation, styling and first impressions. Taking a few moments to look beyond the surface could help buyers build a clearer picture of the property.
Here are four things worth paying attention to when attending an open home.
Look beyond the presentation
Many properties are styled carefully before inspections to make them look as appealing as possible. Fresh paint, furniture styling and lighting could all help create a strong first impression.
While presentation could help showcase a property’s potential, it’s important to look beyond cosmetic features and consider the fundamentals of the home. This might include the layout, room sizes, storage space and overall functionality of the property.
Thinking about how the home would work without the styling could help buyers better assess whether it suits their needs.
Pay attention to the property’s condition
During an inspection, it could be helpful to look for signs of wear or maintenance that may not be immediately obvious.
Things such as cracks in walls, signs of water damage, ageing fixtures or uneven flooring may indicate areas that could require attention in the future. While some maintenance is normal for any property, noticing potential issues early could help buyers understand what may be involved after purchase.
Some buyers also choose to arrange building and pest inspections later in the process to gain a more detailed assessment of the property.
Consider the surrounding environment
An open home provides a valuable opportunity to observe not just the property itself, but also the surrounding area.
You may want to take note of factors such as street noise, traffic levels, neighbouring properties and general activity in the area. Parking availability, nearby amenities and the overall feel of the neighbourhood could also influence how the property fits your lifestyle.
Walking around the street before or after the inspection could often provide additional insights.
Think about your finance position
If you find a property that feels like the right fit, the next step often involves understanding whether it aligns with your borrowing capacity.
Having a clear understanding of your finance position could help you move more confidently if you decide to make an offer.
Speaking to a mortgage broker could help you compare your options so you’re prepared should you want to make an offer.
Want to know if this applies to you?
Talk it through with a Finfident broker. It's free and there's no obligation.
