Viewing checklist for buying a home in Denmark: what to check and ask

The short answer: bring the reports and hold them up against what you see. A viewing is about finding the expensive items before you bid, not about falling for the atmosphere.

Bring the reports

Bring the condition report and the electrical report to the viewing. The condition report covers visible damage and signs of hidden damage and is valid for 6 months, the electrical report for 1 year. Hold them up against the rooms as you walk through.

Damp and mould

Look for discolouration, flaking paint, a musty smell and damp patches at the plinth, in the basement, behind furniture and around windows. Damp is the expensive item to overlook, and mould is the sign that there is moisture somewhere.

Roof, facade and windows

Look at the roof’s age and condition, signs of leaks, cracks in the facade, and whether windows and doors close tightly and are not rotten. Ask when the roof and windows were last replaced. A flat roof should always be checked for age.

Basement and foundation

Check the basement for damp, cracks and smell, and look for settlement cracks in walls. Note what the condition report says about the basement and foundation, and which colour any damage was given.

Electrics and installations

Use the electrical report as a starting point and ask about the age of the fuse board, plumbing and heat source. The electrical report may only be made by an authorised electrician, and an illegal installation can cost to legalise.

BBR and questions for the agent

Check that the home’s area and number of rooms match the BBR record, and ask the agent about days on market, any price cuts, known faults and utilities. Remember the agent works for the seller. Paste the listing into Heimer before the viewing, so you know what to look extra hard for.