5 things you must know before buying a property ‘blind’

Buying blind – also known as buying sight unseen - is committing to a purchase without actually visiting the property in person. For some, that means making an offer based exclusively on the photos and perhaps a video, only visiting the property later on. For the boldest buyers, that means the first time they step foot into the property is when they move in.

Why would you ever buy a property without seeing inside? There are several reasons and you never know, you may find yourself in one of these situations:

• You’re relocating miles away and can’t travel to a property

• You’re a property investor and are buying as a business transaction

• Competition for a particular property is fierce and you’re afraid of missing out

• You are interested in a tenanted property but the renters are refusing viewings

• The property is being sold at auction and there is no opportunity to view

• Your availability doesn’t match to that of the seller’s

• You’re acting on impulse having found your ‘dream home’

• You’re buying locally and know the property type or area well

• You’re looking for a renovation project where the property’s condition is less important 

Buying blind doesn’t have to be a leap into the unknown. There are risks but they can be mitigated and, to a point, there is an exit strategy. Here are 5 things you must know before buying blind.

1. Someone else can view the property on your behalf

It’s usually possible for someone else to physically view a property when you can’t. The selling agent may be able to live video call you from the home in real time. You can guide them around, request to zoom in on aspects and revisit rooms. Alternatively, there are third-party viewing services where a local can be booked to visit a property, take photos, create videos and file a basic report.

2. More information is available upfront than ever before

Agents are having to collect what’s known as Material Information from sellers before they list a property. These are details that may affect someone’s decision to proceed with a purchase. Sometimes, a comprehensive set of Material Information is enough to make an offer and exchange contracts. Ask the selling agent for everything they know about the property, and prepare a list of questions for the seller if what’s supplied isn’t enough.

3. Research, research, research

Knowledge is power so if you’re buying blind, build up a bank of knowledge. In addition to what the selling agent provides, take a walk around the neighbourhood using Google Street View, use the local authority’s planning portal to establish upcoming development in the area, run the property’s address into ChatGPT (it’ll provide an overview of the home and the area) and search past sold prices here using Land Registry data.  

4. You can reduce risks with a suitable survey

Buying blind denies you the ability to touch, smell, hear and get really close to elements. As such, you may miss the smell of mould, not feel a damp wall, fail to detect knocking pipes or overlook the tiny, round holes that indicate woodworm. Commissioning the best survey you can afford will provide you with professional eyes and ears when buying blind. The resulting report should clarify whether you proceed, negotiate or withdraw from the transaction.  

5. You can back out

As mentioned in point 4, you can make an offer on a property that looks the perfect fit on paper but withdraw from the purchase at a later stage. There is no penalty to pull out of a purchase before exchange and buyers can even back out after exchange, as long as they are happy with paying a financial penalty.

We’re here to support purchasers if they are considering buying a property blind, and will advise sellers on the best course of action if they receive an offer from someone who hasn’t seen the property in person. Contact us if you’d like bespoke home moving advice.