Stay safe at a viewing.
A little planning goes a long way.

Part 1

Our honest position

FYSH is not present at viewings and does not vet the people involved.

Arranging a viewing and meeting in person is between the buyer and the seller. We give you each other's name and a way to make contact, and we provide this guidance, but we do not attend, accompany, supervise, or check anyone. This page offers practical suggestions to help, it is not a guarantee of safety, and it does not replace your own judgement. If something ever feels wrong, trust that feeling and act on it.

Part 2

Before you go

A few simple things make a real difference and take only a moment.

Tell someone you trust where you will be, who you are meeting, and when you expect to be finished, then agree that you will check in with that person once the viewing is over, so someone always knows you are safely done. Favour daylight hours for a first meeting, and keep your phone charged and with you.

Say early in the arrangement that you have another commitment and must leave by a set time to meet someone. It gives the viewing a natural end, and it quietly makes clear that a person is expecting you. Consider bringing someone with you, especially for a first viewing, and share the address and the time with someone who is not coming. Keep your exchanges on FYSH until you have met, so there is a record, and share only the contact details you are comfortable sharing.

Part 3

On arrival

Start outside, in the open, before stepping indoors.

On arrival, before going inside, take a few minutes to walk around the outside of the property together. It is a relaxed way to meet in the open, it lets you get a feel for the boundary and the external layout, it means anyone local sees that a viewing is quietly taking place, and it gives both of you a chance to settle and get comfortable before stepping indoors.

Park where you can leave easily, and keep your keys and phone on you rather than setting them down.

Part 4

During the viewing

Stay comfortable, stay aware, and never feel obliged to stay.

Stay aware of where the exits are and keep a clear path to them. Keep the conversation about the property, and do not feel pressed to share personal details you would rather keep private. If you arranged a check in call, take it, and there is no harm in letting the other person see that someone knows where you are.

You are never obliged to stay. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, it is completely reasonable to bring the viewing to a polite close and leave.

Part 5

After the viewing

Close the loop, and keep a record.

Make your check in with the person you told, so the loop is closed and someone knows you are done. Keep any follow up on FYSH where you can, so there is a clear and private record of your contact.

Part 6

Your quick checklist

A short list to run through before you set off.

• Someone knows where I am, who I am meeting, and when I will finish.
• I have arranged to check in afterwards.
• My phone is charged and with me.
• I have mentioned a commitment that means I must leave by a set time.
• I can leave easily, and my keys and phone are on me.
• On arrival, we will walk around the outside together for a few minutes before going in.
• I will trust my instincts and end the viewing early if anything feels off.

Part 7

A new assurance in development

An arrival confirmation step is being built to add assurance for both parties.

We are developing an arrival confirmation step that lets the buyer and the seller confirm each other at the door of a viewing. It is designed as a small shared ritual that makes the first moment feel mutual, and it records that the people who arranged the viewing are the ones who met. It adds confidence and a trustworthy record, it does not change the honest position above, since FYSH still does not attend or vet anyone. More detail will follow here once it is available.

Part 8

Where to find more

A trusted source for fuller personal safety advice.

For fuller personal safety advice, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is the recognised UK authority and offers practical guidance that professionals in property rely on. A short read before a first viewing is time well spent.

These steps are about comfort as much as caution. A viewing where both people feel at ease is a better viewing, and a better start to a possible purchase. If something ever feels wrong, you can report a concern at any time.