Offer without seeing?

[AndWhat]

Would we be ridiculous to make an offer as we aren’t allowed to physically view? We know the road the houses are on and have seen photos and a video tour. It’s on for a sensible price for the area.
I’m really risk adverse whereas my DH is very much a gambling man on these sort of decisions!
Have you bought a house that you haven’t viewed?

Don’t do it.

I'd probably be tempted if you know the area VERY well and know what issues the houses suffer from etc.

I wouldn't personally but I am quite risk averse. I would be worried that some less desirable elements could be omitted from the video tour, depending on angles.

Things like hairline cracks, damp stains etc are not always picked up by a camera. This was the case with the house we're buying. We saw these things on the physical viewing and we're able to see the causes to weigh up the risk.

From today's news, it looks like the proposed lockdown exit strategy is prioritising the opening of estate agencies, so if you can contact the agent to be put on viewing list as soon as they start up again, this may be a way forward.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8226673/Dominic-Raab-declares-coronavirus-lockdown-stay-force.html

No - houses can look VERY different in real life!

No way, what if there was a smell or annoying noise etc? Unless you are going to be homeless it seems absolutely insane!

We are hoping to sell ours on video viewing. It's in avery individual location by the sea. Priced sensibly. We thought that if we accepted offer and started the conveyancing process that potential buyers could view after lockdown and pull out if necessary. We are in small town with limited housing stock.

I would never accept an offer from someone who hadn't viewed the property - its sheer madness. I dont think it is possible to get surveys or mortgage offers at the moment either so i would wait untilbrestrictions are lifted.

Only if it's so cheap you could afford to knock it down and rebuild it without spending more than the house would cost in good condition.

We tried this a few months ago. We’re moving a long way to a place we used to live. A house came up on a road we love so we thought we’d just go for it, don’t mind a bit if work, survey would show any howlers. Agent wouldn’t take the offer - it’s a policy apparently. You’re not considered a serious buyer and a risk that when you do eventually see it you’ll decide it’s not right and will have wasted everyone’s time.

No, but I would be tempted, no doubt.

Thanks all, the owner might let us view as the house is empty. The agents are advising against it so will have to wait and see.

don't even think about it. Smells, DIY bodges in cupboards, leaks etc etc - you have got to visit.

Yes, I bought the house I am standing in with no viewing! I knew it was a doer upper though.

We had a damp/woodwork survey, boiler survey and electric survey all separately after we offered.

As it's empty, of course you should be able to view - the agent doesnt have to come in with you, just open the door.

No! There's a reason it's priced 'sensibly'. Do you want to take on a huge project?

No decent agent will allow this. I used to get people irritated with me because I would insist they view first, most of the time they’d change their minds once they’d seen the property.

No way it is the biggest purchase you will ever make. You may hate it when you get inside.

It’s ridiculous that the agent won’t let you view an empty property- I thought that in that instance estate agents were letting viewings go ahead. They only have to unlock the door and then sit in their car until you have finished.