Charente Property Viewing Checklist

A practical, print-friendly checklist to use during property visits — designed for relocation buyers

1. Property Overview

Property Reference / Name: __________________________

Location (Town/Village): __________________________

Asking Price: €__________________________

Agent / Seller: __________________________

Date Viewed: __________________________

First Impression (1–10): ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5 ☐6 ☐7 ☐8 ☐9 ☐10

Type of Property:

☐ Village house ☐ Townhouse ☐ Detached house ☐ Farmhouse ☐ Manor / Estate ☐ Renovation project

2. Location & Lifestyle

Distance to:

• Nearest town: ______ mins

• Supermarket: ______ mins

• Doctor / hospital: ______ mins

• Airport / train station: ______ mins

Surroundings: ☐ Quiet ☐ Some traffic ☐ Busy ☐ Isolated ☐ Neighbours nearby

Lifestyle Fit: ☐ Full-time living ☐ Holiday home ☐ Rental/gîte potential

Notes:

3. Exterior & Land

General Condition: ☐ Excellent ☐ Good ☐ Needs work ☐ Major renovation

Roof: ☐ Good condition ☐ Needs repair ☐ Unknown

Walls / Structure: ☐ No visible cracks ☐ Minor cracks ☐ Structural concerns

Land / Garden: ☐ Manageable ☐ Large ☐ Requires maintenance ☐ Overgrown

Outbuildings: ☐ None ☐ Garage ☐ Barn ☐ Workshop ☐ Additional buildings

Access & Parking: ☐ Easy access ☐ Narrow road ☐ Parking available ☐ Limited parking

Notes:

4. Interior Condition

General Interior: ☐ Move-in ready ☐ Needs updating ☐ Full renovation

Rooms:

• Bedrooms: ______

• Bathrooms: ______

• Living spaces: ______

Kitchen: ☐ Modern ☐ Usable ☐ Needs replacement

Bathrooms: ☐ Modern ☐ Functional ☐ Needs updating

Windows: ☐ Double glazed ☐ Single glazed ☐ Mixed

Insulation: ☐ Good ☐ Limited ☐ Unknown

Signs of Damp: ☐ None ☐ Slight ☐ Significant

Notes:

5. Utilities & Systems

Electricity: ☐ Modern ☐ Needs updating

Plumbing: ☐ Good ☐ Needs work

Heating: ☐ Electric ☐ Gas ☐ Oil ☐ Wood burner ☐ None

Water Supply: ☐ Mains ☐ Well

Drainage: ☐ Mains drainage ☐ Septic tank (fosse)

If septic: ☐ Compliant ☐ Needs upgrading

Internet: ☐ Fibre available ☐ ADSL ☐ Limited

Notes:

6. Legal & Diagnostics (France Specific)

DPE (Energy Rating): ______

Diagnostics Provided: ☐ Asbestos ☐ Lead ☐ Termites. ☐ Electrical. ☐ Gas

Any Known Issues: ☐ Yes ☐ No

Details:

7. Renovation & Costs

Estimated Work Required: ☐ None ☐ Light cosmetic ☐ Moderate renovation ☐ Full renovation

Rough Budget Estimate:€__________________________

Key Works Needed: ☐ Roof ☐ Electrics ☐ Plumbing ☐ Heating ☐ Insulation ☐ Windows ☐ Septic system

Notes:

8. Financial Considerations

Total Estimated Cost (Purchase + Work): €__________________________

Running Cost Estimate: ☐ Low (€1,500–€2,500) ☐ Medium (€2,500–€4,000) ☐ High (€4,000+)

Value for Money (1–10): ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5 ☐6 ☐7 ☐8 ☐9 ☐10

9. Emotional & Lifestyle Check

Can you see yourself living here? ☐ Yes ☐ Maybe ☐ No

Biggest Positives:

• 
  
• 
  

Biggest Concerns:

• 
  
• 
  

10. Final Score

Location:

Property Condition:

Lifestyle Fit:

Value for Money:

Overall:

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11. Follow-Up Actions

☐ Arrange second viewing

☐ Request diagnostics

☐ Get renovation quotes

☐ Speak to notaire

☐ Make an offer

Don’t just fall in love with the property —

👉 Make sure you’re also choosing the right location, lifestyle, and long-term fit.