To ask how far in advance to book house viewings?

[RunYouJuiceBitch]

FTB here, so never been through this process before.

We are relocating to a different part of the country, so will need to make various arrangements for house viewings (ie DH's time off work, care arrangements for our cat). We will stay with my sister when looking at houses, as she is local to where we are moving - so at least accommodation isn't an issue.

The thing is, I don't know how far in advance to make enquiries about houses. How quickly after enquiring do viewings tend to be scheduled? Is it a couple of days? Or more like a week? Or is it completely variable?

I don't want to ring up EAs too early as I don't want to be seen to be time-wasting if I can't view the property for two weeks. And I realise some properties will sell quickly. Equally, I appreciate people need adequate notice!

Sorry for such a basic question. We've been renting the same house for 15 years so can't really remember how quickly we arranged viewings for rentals...

Usually within a week. A lot are actually happening within a day or two at the moment. Enquired about a house today, going to be viewing it tomorrow!

Call estate agents and ask there process.

I think you’ll miss out on a lot of properties if you can’t act fast.

I put a house on the market a couple of days ago. The first viewings were mostly FTB and today, so quite quickly really.

You can see on Rightmove how long something has been on the market for, I assume you have more time if it's been on for a longer time.

There's no standard. Depends on availability of you, agent and seller.

If I were you I think the easiest thing would be to contact agents in the area and say what your criteria are and that you'll be in the area from X date to Y date. Then they can search for you and book as much in as possible in the time frame

If you are moving to a new area then is buying a good idea? People usually recommend going into a rental so you can get a feel of the area. Buy later, when you know the lie of the land.

This

Thanks all!

I'm definitely aware that not being able to act within a day or two will probably result in properties slipping through our fingers. At the moment I'm a bit 'c'est la vie' about it, though I'm sure that could change as time goes on...

I haven't completely ruled out renting in the new area. I'd love to avoid it if possible though; I can't face moving twice in quick succession, and time is ticking on as we're both on the older side for FTBs and already looking at a 22 year mortgage term... 😬

Fortunately we know the area quite well, have had family there for years and years.