Property Due Diligence Checklist for UK Buyers (Before You Offer)

Why a checklist beats a rushed viewing

Most buyers regret what they failed to check before exchange, not what they noticed on the first visit. Use this list as a structure — adjust for leasehold, new build, or cash purchases.

Legal and tenure

• Confirm tenure (freehold, leasehold, shared ownership) on the title register.
• Note any restrictive covenants, charges, or rentcharges that affect use or sale.
• For leasehold: remaining term, ground rent trajectory, service charge history, major works reserves, and consultation rights.

Building and energy

• EPC rating and expiry; likely running costs and any MEES obligations if letting.
• Age of roof, windows, heating system, and known defects from the seller (where disclosed).

Environment and insurance

• Flood risk from official maps; do not rely on estate-agent assurances alone.
• Subsidence, mining, or coastal erosion context where relevant.

Planning and locality

• Recent planning applications nearby that affect light, parking, or noise.
• Conservation area or listed status that limits alterations.

Where to keep it

A single record — for example a Property Passport for the address — helps you share consistent information with your conveyancer and compare properties you are still shortlisting.

Look up any UK property

Search by postcode or address on [Property Passport UK](/search) to see EPC, flood risk, sold prices, and more for any of 19+ million properties in England and Wales — before you offer or list.