Why a final viewing before signing?
The pre-completion viewing, also called the conformity check, takes place a few days before the final signing at the notary’s office. Its purpose is straightforward: to verify that the property is in the condition agreed at the time of the preliminary contract.
Between the preliminary contract and the notarial deed, two to three months typically elapse. During this period, the seller continues to occupy the property (or the tenant, as the case may be). Deterioration may occur, fixtures may be removed, co-ownership works may have altered the common areas.
This viewing is not legally mandatory, but it is strongly recommended and is systematically organised by serious professionals.
When to schedule this viewing?
Ideally plan it 3 to 5 days before the scheduled signing date at the notary’s office. This timeframe leaves sufficient time to flag any problem and find a solution (postponement of signing, price retention, repair commitment) without jeopardising the transaction.
Avoid scheduling the viewing on the same day as signing: in the event of an unpleasant surprise, you would be under pressure to sign regardless or to postpone at the last minute.
What to check: the checklist
The general condition of the property: walls, floors, ceilings, joinery. Compare with photographs taken during your previous viewings. Any new deterioration (damp mark, crack, ceiling stain) must be flagged.
Fixtures included in the sale: verify that everything listed in the preliminary contract is present. Fitted kitchen, light fittings, blinds, built-in appliances: every item mentioned must be in place and in working order.
Technical installations: test the heating, hot water, electric shutters, intercom, electrical sockets. Turn on taps, flick switches, check the mechanical ventilation.
Meters: read the water, electricity and gas meter indices. These readings will be needed for charge regularisation and energy contract transfers.
Common areas: if co-ownership works were in progress, check their status. Look at the stairwell, lift and letterboxes.
Vacancy of the property: if the seller was to vacate before signing, verify that the move is complete. Cellars and parking spaces included in the sale must also be empty.
What to do if there is a problem?
If you notice an anomaly, do not panic. Most problems are resolved through negotiation. A price retention (held in escrow by the notary) covers the necessary repairs. A postponement of a few days allows the seller to put things right.
In the event of major deterioration (water damage occurring between preliminary contract and completion, expensive fixture missing), the notary can arrange an appropriate deposit. In extreme cases, the buyer may invoke the seller’s failure to deliver in conformity.
The property hunter’s role during this viewing
At Home Select, your property hunter accompanies you for this final viewing. They know the property for having visited and analysed it beforehand, and have the reference photographs and notes to compare the current condition against the original state. If a problem is detected, they coordinate directly with the notary and the seller to find a solution before signing. Learn more about our end-to-end support.
FAQ
Is the pre-completion viewing mandatory?
No, there is no legal obligation. But it is strongly recommended and forms part of the systematic best practices of professional property hunters.
Who should be present at this viewing?
The buyer (or their representative) and the seller (or their agent). Your property hunter can accompany you or carry out the viewing on your behalf if you are abroad, providing a detailed report.
Can you cancel the sale after this viewing?
Not directly on the basis of this viewing. But if you find that the property no longer conforms to what was agreed in the preliminary contract, you can request compensation, a postponement, or invoke failure to deliver in conformity as a last resort.
Should you take photographs?
Yes, systematically. Photograph the meters (readings), the general condition of each room, and anything that seems different from the previous viewing. These photographs constitute evidence in the event of a dispute.
