Over the past few years, I’ve watched virtual viewings go from a niche option to the default way many people start their property search. According to guidance from letting platforms, a video call or pre-recorded tour can give you a surprisingly clear sense of a property’s layout and condition — but only if you know what to look for. The problem is that most tenants treat a virtual viewing like a quick scroll through photos, and that’s where things go wrong. A ten-minute video call won’t tell you whether the boiler works or how noisy the neighbours are, but with the right approach it can save you hours of wasted travel. Here’s what you actually need to know.
If you’re starting your search, it’s worth understanding how finding the perfect apartment has changed in recent years. A virtual viewing is now often the first — and sometimes only — chance you get to assess a place before committing. I’d recommend treating it with the same seriousness as an in-person visit, because the decisions you make here affect where you’ll live for the next year or more. A video doorbell might seem unrelated, but it’s exactly the kind of detail you can ask about during a live call — things like security, parcel delivery, and who has access to the building.
What a virtual viewing actually involves
The most important thing to understand is that a virtual viewing isn’t one single thing. There are three main approaches, and each works best in different situations. A live video call happens in real time, usually through WhatsApp or another standard video-call tool, and gives you the clearest sense of the property’s layout and overall feel. A pre-recorded video tour is filmed in advance on a smartphone and shared with you to watch at your own pace. A hybrid approach combines both — you watch a pre-recorded walkthrough first, then join a live call to ask specific questions.
What I tend to notice is that tenants who only watch a pre-recorded video often miss the details that matter most. A video can show you the size of a room, but it won’t tell you whether the shower pressure is weak or whether the flat gets any natural light in the afternoon. That’s why I’d always push for a live call if you can get one. It gives you the chance to ask the landlord to zoom in on things, open cupboards, or show you the view from the window. If the landlord pushes back on a live call, that itself might tell you something.
Why getting this right matters more than you think
Here’s the reality: according to the National Landlords Association, virtual viewings are now a standard part of the rental process, and many tenants are signing tenancy agreements without ever setting foot in the property. That means the quality of your virtual viewing directly determines whether you end up in a home you love or one you regret. If you’re relying solely on a virtual viewing, you need to ask detailed questions about storage, heating, appliances, noise levels, and anything else that affects daily life — because you won’t have a chance to check in person.
Consider this scenario: you watch a pre-recorded video of a flat that looks spacious and modern. The video doesn’t show the boiler cupboard, the fuse box, or the condition of the windows. You move in and discover the heating is unreliable, the windows are draughty, and the flat is much noisier than you expected. A good virtual viewing — especially a live one — would have caught at least some of these issues. If you plan to visit the property later anyway, the virtual viewing can focus on basic suitability, but if it’s your only option, you need to be thorough.
I’ve seen tenants skip the virtual viewing entirely and rely on photos alone, only to be disappointed when they arrive. A rental lease guest policy might not be something you think about during a viewing, but it’s exactly the kind of detail that matters once you’re living there. A live call gives you the chance to ask about these things naturally.
Where most tenants slip up during virtual viewings
After watching this process play out for a while, I’ve noticed a few patterns. Most mistakes come down to preparation — or the lack of it. Here are the most common ones I see.
Treating a pre-recorded video as a complete inspection
A pre-recorded video is useful, but it’s not a substitute for a live conversation. The landlord controls what the camera shows, and they’re unlikely to film the damp patch behind the curtain or the crack in the window frame. If you only watch a pre-recorded video, you’re seeing a curated version of the property. The fix is simple: ask for a live call, or at the very least, prepare a list of specific questions about things the video doesn’t cover. According to OpenRent’s guidance, speaking to the tenant directly gives them the chance to ask questions while you can highlight aspects that may not be obvious from photos alone.
Not testing your tech before the call
This one sounds basic, but it’s surprisingly common. A dropped call or a frozen screen can mean you miss the walkthrough of the kitchen or the bedroom. Make sure your device is fully charged, your internet connection is stable, and you’re in a quiet spot where you can hear clearly. If you’re using a laptop, check that the microphone and speakers work. A notebook or notes app is also useful for jotting down room dimensions and storage options as you go.
Forgetting to ask about the things you can’t see
During a virtual viewing, you can’t touch the walls, open the cupboards, or test the taps. That means you need to ask about them. Questions about heating efficiency, water pressure, noise levels from neighbours or traffic, and the condition of appliances are all fair game. If the landlord seems evasive or vague, that’s a red flag. I’d also ask about broadband speed and mobile reception, since these are hard to assess remotely but matter enormously day to day.
→ Scroll right to see all columns
| Viewing type | Best for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Live video call | Real-time questions, layout sense, overall feel | Requires scheduling, depends on internet quality |
| Pre-recorded video | Quick overview, watch at your own pace | Landlord controls what’s shown, no interaction |
| Hybrid approach | Best of both — overview plus live Q&A | Takes more time to arrange |
Rushing through the viewing without taking notes
If you’re viewing multiple properties, it’s easy to mix up which flat had the good storage and which one had the noisy boiler. Taking notes during the viewing — or immediately after — helps you compare properties accurately later. Write down room dimensions, storage options, and any concerns. A door alarm sensor might seem like a small thing, but if security is a concern, it’s worth noting whether the property has one or whether you’d need to install your own.
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How to make the most of your virtual viewing
Getting a virtual viewing right comes down to preparation and follow-through. Here’s what I’d do if I were in your position.
Review everything available before the call
Start by looking at any pre-recorded videos, photos, and floorplans the landlord has provided. According to OpenRent’s advice, accurate photos and floorplans are more important than ever for virtual viewings. This gives you a baseline understanding of the property’s layout and condition, so you can focus your live call on the details that matter. If the listing doesn’t include a floorplan, ask for one — it’s a simple request that can reveal a lot about how the space actually works.
Prepare your questions in advance
Write down a list of questions before the call. Focus on things you can’t assess remotely: heating type and efficiency, water pressure, noise levels, storage space, appliance ages, and any recent repairs. If the property is currently occupied, ask whether the current tenants have had any issues. A negotiation strategy for UK renters can also come in handy here — if you spot issues during the viewing, you may be able to negotiate on rent or ask for repairs before signing.
During the call, be specific and take notes
Ask the landlord to show you specific things: open the kitchen cupboards, zoom in on the window seals, show you the boiler and fuse box. If the property has a garden or balcony, ask to see it from different angles. Take notes as you go, and don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions. A good landlord will be happy to show you around thoroughly. If they seem rushed or dismissive, that’s useful information too.
- 1Review photos, videos, and floorplans firstGet familiar with the layout so you can focus your live call on details.
- 2Write down your questionsHeating, water pressure, noise, storage, appliance condition — ask about everything you can’t see.
- 3Test your tech and find a quiet spotCharge your device, check your internet, and eliminate background noise.
- 4Take notes during the callJot down dimensions, storage options, and any concerns for later comparison.
- 5Follow up with any additional questionsIf something wasn’t clear, ask the landlord to clarify before you make a decision.
What happens after the viewing
Once you’ve decided to proceed, the process moves online. You’ll place a holding deposit (tenants in Scotland don’t pay one), the landlord will run referencing checks, and you’ll sign the tenancy agreement digitally. The deposit and first month’s rent are paid securely through the platform, with the deposit secured and the rent transferred to the landlord ten days after you move in. Major changes are coming under the Renters’ Rights Act from 1st May 2026, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how that affects your rights and responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions about virtual viewings
Can I sign a tenancy agreement without ever visiting the property? ▾
What if the landlord refuses a live video call? ▾
How do I check broadband speed during a virtual viewing? ▾
Should I still visit in person after a virtual viewing? ▾
What questions should I ask during a live video call? ▾
Can I record the virtual viewing for later reference? ▾
A virtual viewing is only as good as the preparation you put into it. If you go in with a clear list of questions, test your tech beforehand, and take notes as you go, you’ll come away with a much clearer picture of whether the property is right for you. The key is to treat it like a real viewing — because in many cases, it’s the only one you’ll get. If this was useful, you might also want to read A Beginner’s Guide to Renting an Apartment in the UK.
Sources and Further Reading
Apartment Lease Documentation Checklist for Renting in the UK — A practical checklist to make sure you have all the paperwork in order before signing.
How to Conduct a Property Viewing Online. OpenRent, 2025.
How to Conduct a Property Viewing Online. National Landlords Association, 2025.
How to Conduct a Property Viewing Online. OpenRent Help Centre, 2025.
