Our 6 tips for viewing properties

Are you planning to move to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and want to quickly find the perfect home to settle into? Are you already a resident of Luxembourg and looking to rent or buy another property?

Here are our 6 tips for quickly finding the perfect house or apartment for your family. Conduct your search and property viewings like a true real estate professional!

1. Prepare for your viewings in advance so you don’t miss anything

When you’re not used to viewing properties, it can be quite difficult to make sure you don’t miss anything! Indeed, someone looking to rent or buy a home doesn’t necessarily think of everything during their viewings.

However, moving isn’t something you can wing. Whether you’re buying or renting, you need to make sure the property you’re viewing truly meets the needs of your whole family.

To do this, it’s crucial to clearly identify in advance all the factors that will determine whether or not you make the right decision when it comes time to take the plunge.

Indeed, beyond aesthetics or even love at first sight, you mustn’t overlook practical considerations, as well as economic, energy-related, and, of course, budgetary factors.

Prepare for your visits in advance so that a potential “love at first sight” doesn’t overshadow criteria that are nonetheless very important.

2. Stick to your list of criteria when choosing a home

Looking for a home is serious business. You don’t want to waste your time on pointless viewings. To ensure you only visit properties that might interest you, make sure they meet all the criteria you’ve defined beforehand.

You will have previously drawn up a list of the characteristics of the home you’re looking for. To avoid getting overwhelmed during your search and viewings, create a checklist beforehand that includes all your criteria.

Rank them by importance (you’ll often have to make compromises). Are these criteria deal-breakers or not?

All these factors are important considerations before signing a lease agreement or a preliminary sales contract. However, in the excitement of the search, it’s easy to overlook the essentials.

When scheduling a viewing, make sure the property meets your criteria— at thevery least, the ones that are most important to you. If the property doesn’t meet your criteria, is a viewing even necessary? Maybe not.

3. Be Prepared When Visiting a Potential Future Home

A property viewing isn’t something you can wing. You need to bring a few handy tools with you.

Without a tape measure, how will you know if your family’s wardrobe will actually fit in that lovely living room? Without photos of the pros and cons you notice during your visit, how will you effectively recall your visit and then make an objective decision?

For all these reasons, we recommend bringing the following with you during the visit:

• a list of your criteria. At the end of the tour, take a quick look at it. This will help you confirm whether or not the home meets your family’s needs
• a tape measure to take all necessary measurements. Have the room sizes confirmed. Rooms may appear larger or smaller than they actually are depending on their furnishings,
• a camera (or a smartphone) to take pictures of the property you’re viewing. This will help you think it over with a clear head. Before taking photos, don’t forget to ask for permission!
• a compass to check the orientation of the main rooms and the terrace. You can download the app on your smartphone.
• something to jot down important details. Certain key information and figures are quickly forgotten once you’re back at the front door.

4. Find out about the neighborhood atmosphere and amenities

When you move to a new place, you’re not just changing houses or apartments. Above all, you’re changing neighborhoods.

Of course, the features of the property you’re viewing are obviously a major focus during visits. However, the atmosphere of the neighborhood where it’s located is also crucial.

The range of services and the neighborhood’s atmosphere are of paramount importance during a visit. If you like a property, make sure you also feel comfortable in the neighborhood where it’s located. You’ll settle in much better there, and above all, integrating will be easier!

Arrive early for the appointment and don’t hesitate to take a walk around the streets near the property you’re viewing. This will allow you to ask any questions about the neighborhood during the tour. You might even want to talk to local residents.

Return to the area several times, at different times of the day. This will let you see how the surroundings change throughout the day. You’ll get a feel for the neighborhood’s atmosphere and be able to see if it matches your expectations, both day and night!

Compare the different neighborhoods in Luxembourg City

5. Ask the right questions of the owner and the real estate agent

Beyond your personal criteria, there are also many factors to check during a property tour. These can vary between a house and an apartment:

• the amount of natural light in the living areas and bedrooms. This often goes hand in hand with a south, southwest, or southeast exposure for morning sun,
• insulation and type of heating. Don’t forget to immediately request a copy of the energy performance certificate (mandatory and valid for 10 years)
• electrical outlets and the electrical panel. Be sure to check the age of the panel and the compliance of the electrical system,
• condition of the common areas and the amount of maintenance fees if it’s a multi-unit building,
• the building’s construction date. Is there a ten-year warranty?
• the type of heating. Is the boiler inspected regularly?
• humidity levels, especially in basement rooms,
• ..

Also, don’t hesitate to ask why the owners or tenants are leaving the property.

If purchasing, how long has the owner owned the property? This will give you an idea of its appreciation. It can also provide a basis for negotiating a price.

Learn more about the real estate market and asking prices.

6. Make the most of your property tour

Debrief with the real estate agent

Is the property tour over? Debrief with the real estate agent at the end of the tour, regardless of your feelings about the property. What did you like, what did you dislike, what are the deal-breakers? … This moment of discussion is important so that the agent fully understands your needs and can assist you in your search. Don’t hesitate to confirm your housing search criteria with them.

Don’t delay in making your decision

In Luxembourg, attractive properties sell very quickly. It’s not uncommon to have to make a decision immediately after the tour whena property is for sale or rent .

Make a formal financial offer quickly if you like the property for sale. To ensure this formality doesn’t intimidate you, make sure you have all the answers to your questions.

If you haven’t had the chance to discuss this beforehand, reassure the real estate agent of your financial capacity. If you already have a financing plan with a bank, let them know. This will demonstrate your seriousness and encourage them to consider you for other homes or apartments that are a better fit.

Are you ready to make an offer? The real estate agent can tell you whether there is room to negotiate the sale price.

Need to know more? Check out our comprehensive guide to housing in Luxembourg here.

Found your home? Check out our tips here for furnishing it and making your move to Luxembourg easier.