Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s your first step into property ownership or your next strategic investment, attending a show house viewing is more than just admiring finishes and layouts – it’s your opportunity to ask critical questions that reveal what the glossy brochure won’t.
Here are the 10 most important questions you should ask at every show house – each one designed to help you avoid costly surprises and make the smartest possible move.
1. Why is the property on the market?
This is your window into the seller’s motivation. Are they relocating, upgrading, downscaling, or offloading a problematic property? A seller moving for positive reasons (like a job transfer or lifestyle change) may be more open to negotiation. But if they’re selling due to noisy neighbours, security concerns, or poor municipal service delivery, that’s important to know. If the answer is vague, consider asking the neighbours too – they’ll often provide more candid insight into the area and living conditions.
2. Are there any known defects or past issues?
Legally, sellers must disclose any defects they’re aware of, but not everything is obvious on the surface. Don’t be shy to ask directly about:
- Damp spots or water damage
- Cracks in walls or ceilings
- Old or leaking roofing
- Plumbing or electrical faults
- Pest infestations (especially in older homes)
It’s also worth asking whether these issues have been fixed properly or simply patched up. Request a copy of the seller’s disclosure document and, if the home interests you, consider hiring a professional inspector to evaluate the structure thoroughly.
3. What’s included in the sale?
What you see isn’t always what you get. It’s common for buyers to assume that appliances, curtain rails, or garden features are included – only to discover post-purchase that they’re not. Ask specifically whether the following are staying behind:
- Light fittings
- Blinds or curtains
- Alarm systems and CCTV
- Built-in braais or outside sheds
- Irrigation systems and water tanks
Make sure any agreements are clearly written into the offer to purchase to avoid misunderstandings later.
4. Have any alterations or renovations been done – and are they approved?
Renovations can add value – but only if they’ve been properly executed. Find out:
- When were the renovations done?
- Were they completed by qualified professionals?
- Were plans submitted and approved by the local municipality?
- Are there certificates of compliance (e.g. for gas, electrical, structural work)?
Unapproved or non-compliant work can lead to major headaches, fines, or even forced removals. If alterations were done without approval, you’ll likely inherit the legal and financial burden.
5. What are the average monthly running costs?
Bond repayments are just one piece of the puzzle. Ask the agent or seller for recent utility bills and a breakdown of costs such as:
- Rates and taxes
- Electricity and water usage
- Refuse collection
- Security subscriptions (e.g. armed response)
- Complex or estate levies (if applicable)
This will give you a realistic picture of what it’ll cost to own and maintain the property every month. Don’t forget to factor in long-term maintenance costs too – especially for features like pools, large gardens, or thatched roofing.
6. Are there any special levies or major maintenance projects on the horizon?
If you’re buying in a sectional title complex or estate, it’s essential to ask about the financial health of the body corporate. Upcoming special levies can run into tens of thousands of rands. These are typically raised to fund major repairs like roofing, waterproofing, or paving. Ask to see:
- The last set of audited financials
- Recent AGM minutes
- Any planned projects or disputes
This will help you avoid being caught off guard by a large, unexpected expense just months after moving in.
7. What’s the neighbourhood like at different times of day?
Show houses are usually scheduled at quiet, convenient times – like weekend afternoons – but that doesn’t tell the full story. Visit the area during early mornings, evenings, and weekdays to get a true feel for:
- Traffic congestion
- Ambient noise
- Street activity
- Safety and lighting after dark
It’s also worth asking about nearby schools, shopping centres, public transport options, and general service delivery. Online forums or community WhatsApp groups can offer uncensored local insights.
8. Is the property fibre-ready or connected to high-speed internet?
Fast, reliable internet access is a modern-day essential – especially for those working from home, streaming, or managing smart home systems. Ask:
- Whether fibre has already been installed
- Which providers service the area
- What speeds and packages are available
- If you’ll need to pay for installation or equipment
While not a dealbreaker for everyone, poor connectivity can be a major frustration – and may affect your resale value in the future.
9. What is the seller’s preferred timeline – and are there competing offers?
Knowing whether the seller wants to move quickly or has more time can help you structure your offer more strategically. If they’ve already purchased another property, they might be open to faster transfers or discounts. Also ask whether there are other serious buyers. If so, you may need to act quickly – or strengthen your offer with fewer conditions or a larger deposit.
10. What is the property’s valuation and price history?
Understanding the financial track record of the property helps you determine whether the current asking price is fair. Ask:
- What the owner originally paid
- Whether the home has been recently valued by a bank
- If there have been past sales that fell through – and why
- Whether the property was ever in distress or repossessed
This information gives you a sense of whether the price has appreciated appropriately, remained stagnant, or been inflated without just cause.
Final Word: Don’t Just Fall in Love – Ask the Right Questions
It’s easy to get emotionally attached to a property, but asking the right questions is what will protect your investment in the long run. Use this refined checklist to guide your conversation with the agent or seller, and don’t hesitate to follow up on any answers that seem vague or incomplete.
For more expert advice and up-to-date property listings, visit ImmoAfrica.net – your trusted partner in property search and decision-making.
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This article was originally published on April 18, 2014, and was updated on April 19, 2025, to include the latest trends, new insights, and ensure accuracy and relevance.
