Gironde Property Viewing Checklist

A practical checklist for viewing property in Bordeaux, vineyards and coastal areas

The Gironde offers a wide range of property types — Bordeaux townhouses, vineyard homes, rural farmhouses and coastal properties. This checklist is designed specifically for the types of properties commonly found in the Gironde and the things buyers should pay particular attention to in this region.

You can print this and tick off each section when viewing.

1. First Impressions & Location

☐ How far is the property from Bordeaux?

☐ Distance to nearest village/town

☐ Shops open year-round?

☐ Quiet rural area or busy tourist zone?

☐ Access roads — narrow country lanes?

☐ Flood risk (important near rivers/estuary)

☐ Coastal exposure to wind (coastal areas)

☐ Vineyard surroundings (spraying considerations)

☐ Noise from agriculture or wine production

☐ Nearby holiday homes or permanent residents?

2. Property Type (Gironde Specific)

☐ Stone house

☐ Vineyard property

☐ Farmhouse with land

☐ Bordeaux townhouse

☐ Coastal house

☐ Village house

☐ Renovation project

☐ Modern home

Notes:

3. Structure & Exterior

☐ Condition of roof

☐ Roof recently replaced?

☐ Stonework condition

☐ Cracks in walls

☐ Damp or water marks

☐ Gutter condition

☐ Chimneys

☐ Outbuildings condition

☐ Boundary clearly defined

☐ Land drainage (important in Gironde)

4. Land & Grounds (Common in Gironde)

☐ Size of land

☐ Flat or sloping

☐ Vineyard nearby

☐ Agricultural neighbours

☐ Trees close to house

☐ Pool potential

☐ Parking access

☐ Garage or barn

☐ Garden maintenance required

☐ Flood risk near rivers

Notes:

5. Interior Condition

☐ Overall condition

☐ Recently renovated?

☐ Kitchen condition

☐ Bathroom condition

☐ Flooring

☐ Walls straight?

☐ Signs of damp

☐ Ceiling condition

☐ Windows double glazed?

☐ Shutters working

6. Heating & Insulation (Important in Stone Houses)

☐ Type of heating:

• Electric

• Wood burner

• Pellet stove

• Oil

• Heat pump

☐ Insulation in roof

☐ Insulation in walls

☐ Double glazing

☐ Energy efficiency rating (DPE)

7. Utilities

☐ Mains water

☐ Septic tank or mains drainage

☐ Septic tank compliant?

☐ Electricity modern?

☐ Internet availability

☐ Fibre available?

☐ Water pressure

☐ Gas available?

8. Coastal Property Checks (If near coast)

☐ Wind exposure

☐ Salt air impact

☐ Shutter condition

☐ Roof wear

☐ Exterior maintenance needed

☐ Holiday rental area?

☐ Seasonal population changes

9. Vineyard & Rural Property Checks

☐ Vineyard spraying nearby

☐ Agricultural noise

☐ Tractor access roads

☐ Farming activity nearby

☐ Smells (seasonal)

☐ Access in winter

☐ Distance to amenities

10. Renovation Questions

☐ Work required immediately

☐ Roof replacement needed

☐ Septic tank upgrade needed

☐ Rewiring needed

☐ Plumbing upgrade needed

☐ Kitchen replacement

☐ Bathroom replacement

☐ Structural work

Estimated renovation budget:

11. Running Cost Considerations

Ask agent or owner:

☐ Taxe foncière amount

☐ Heating costs

☐ Electricity costs

☐ Water costs

☐ Internet costs

☐ Maintenance costs

☐ Insurance estimate

12. Lifestyle Questions

☐ Year-round living area?

☐ Local community?

☐ Market town nearby?

☐ Restaurants open year-round?

☐ Medical services nearby?

☐ Airport distance

☐ Train station distance

☐ Beach distance (if relevant)

13. Viewing Score

Property address:

Location score (1–10): ______

Property condition (1–10): ______

Renovation level (1–10): ______

Lifestyle fit (1–10): ______

Overall score: ______

14. Notes Section

Pros:

Cons:

15. After Viewing Questions

☐ How long on market?

☐ Any previous offers?

☐ Negotiable price?

☐ Reason for sale?

☐ Included in sale?

☐ Property boundaries confirmed?

☐ Diagnostics available?

☐ Septic report available?

☐ DPE rating?