A video viewing helps you rule out unsuitable flats, but the camera only shows the angle someone chooses. Prepare a sequence for the tour rather than relying on a general walk through the rooms.

Agree on the route of the tour

Ask to see the building entrance, the shared areas, every room and important appliances. Ask where the windows and doorways are. A weak connection or a quick swing of the camera should not replace an answer about the condition of the flat.

Record the limits of a remote assessment

Noise, smells, brightness and real dimensions are hard to judge through a screen. Mark these points as unchecked. The identity of the other party, their authority and the terms of the contract need to be checked separately, however convincing the call was.

How to brief the person showing the flat

Send a short route before the call: entrance, rooms, windows, appliances and the measurements you need. Ask them to show the overall view before close-ups so that the context is clear. Agree in advance whether photos or a recording are allowed. If the connection drops, note what remains unchecked rather than filling gaps with marketing photos. The person on site can help more easily when they know which question each shot should answer. For a workspace, for example, you need the wall measurements and the location of sockets, not just a nice view of the room.

What a video call cannot tell you

A camera can distort scale, lighting and the sense of distance, and the sound of a call does not allow a reliable comparison of normal noise levels. Do not treat these observations as equal to an in-person viewing. Make a list of what you or an agreed representative will need to check in addition. A video also does not confirm that the person is entitled to let the flat, and it does not replace reading the contract. Keep the quality of the tour, the authenticity of the offer and the legal terms separate: a convincing impression on one point does not settle the others.

What to check

  • Prepare a list of measurements and questions.
  • Ask for a continuous view of the important areas.
  • Agree whether the call may be recorded.
  • Do not treat unchecked features as confirmed.

Example situation

If your workspace needs to be by the window, ask for the wall to be measured and the sockets to be shown rather than judging the space through a wide-angle camera.

Next step

Use a video viewing for shortlisting and keep an explicit list of what still needs to be checked.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.