Safety tips for viewing a property

If you are viewing a property:
• plan your journey in advance and check bus or train times. If possible, order a taxi to come to the property you are viewing at a set time, or arrange for someone to collect you at a pre-arranged time
• arrange your visit during daylight
• take someone with you. if you can’t take a someone, leave the following details with a friend or in an obvious place in your own home:

o the address and telephone number of the property you are visiting
o the name of the person you are meeting
o the time of the viewing.

• ask the person you are meeting if there will be anyone else there when you view the property. Don’t be ashamed to say that you are aware of your own personal safety and need to know as many details as possible so that you can tell someone of your whereabouts
• don’t accept a lift before or after viewing a property - no matter how tempting the offer
• carry a personal alarm on you
• take your mobile phone. Keep it switched on and in a safe place, out of view. If you don’t own one, see if you can borrow one
• use your mobile phone to let someone know you have arrived. Phone a friend or relative to say "Hi, just to let you know I’ve arrived at .. and Mr (or Mrs).. is showing me around. I’ll meet you in 20 minutes, but give me a ring if I’m running late."
• trust your instincts. If you have a funny feeling about something, leave straight away. Be prepared with an excuse to leave before attending the viewing (that you are feeling sick or the room sizes not big enough or too large for your needs. Be polite about the property you are viewing).

Showing your home
If you are showing your property to someone:

• do not give out your personal details unnecessarily
• try to make sure someone is with you during the viewing
• check whether there will be anyone with the person who is viewing your property, and if so, who it is
• let a friend or neighbour know that someone is coming to see you. Give your friend/neighbour the name, address and telephone number of the person viewing, and time of viewing
• let the viewer know that your friend or neighbour will be dropping by in 20 to 30 minutes, and arrange with someone to do so. Let the friend or neighbour know that if you phone during the viewing, they should come immediately
• if you are uneasy, phone the friend or neighbour so that they come immediately.