A second condo viewing checklist for Ontario buyers
Use a second viewing to compare the unit and building, check key details, and turn unanswered questions into a clear follow-up list.
Set an agenda before you go back
A second viewing is most useful when you know what you still need to learn. Start with your first notes and list the points that affect day-to-day life: layout, storage, noise, light, access, building upkeep and monthly costs. CMHC publishes checklists for assessing both the physical condition of a resale condo and the building around it. A repeatable list is more useful than relying on a general impression. Keep confirmed details separate from questions that still need an answer. Source 1 Source 2
Check the unit in a consistent order
Walk through the suite in the same order each time, from the entrance through the living areas, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and balcony. Look at doors, windows, floors, visible finishes and any signs of staining, moisture or odours. Check whether storage and the layout suit your routine. These observations do not diagnose a problem, but they give you specific questions to follow up on. CMHC’s physical evaluation checklist offers more examples of items to notice inside a resale unit. Source 2
Look at the shared areas too
A condo purchase includes more than the suite. Notice the condition of the lobby, corridors, elevators, stairs, parking area, locker space and outdoor paths. CMHC’s checklist asks buyers to look for signs of leaks or deterioration in common areas, lighting, accessibility and general upkeep. If something is unclear during the viewing, write down where you saw it and ask who manages that part of the property. Source 2
Confirm what comes with the unit
Make a list of what you understand is included in the purchase, such as parking, a locker, appliances or access to amenities. Confirm which details are documented and which are still assumptions. CMHC advises buyers to find out where unit boundaries are, what is included in the price and what the condo fees cover. Those details can affect how you compare one condo with another. Source 1
Ask about the building records and costs
Before deciding, ask what records are available for review. CMHC points buyers to the operating budget, financial statements, status certificate, technical audit and reserve fund study, where available. It also recommends asking about fee coverage, possible special assessments and future repair needs. These documents can be difficult to interpret on your own. Your lawyer and other qualified advisors can help explain what they mean for the unit and corporation. Source 1
Turn visible concerns into follow-up questions
A viewing is a chance to gather information, not a substitute for a professional assessment. If you notice a concern, record what you saw without trying to diagnose its cause. Ask about the age and condition of the home’s systems, whether permits were obtained for renovations, and whether an inspection would help you understand the unit or building. CMHC recommends having an inspector evaluate both; RECO also encourages buyers to consider an inspection and ask questions about property details. Source 1 Source 3
Leave with a clear comparison
After the visit, compare your notes with the needs you wrote down before you arrived. A simple recap can be: what works for daily life; what needs confirmation; what records or professional advice you still need; and what costs you want to understand. Keep observations separate from verified answers. RECO’s buyer guidance encourages buyers to research the property, understand the costs and get important details in writing before moving ahead. Source 3
Conceptual illustration generated with AI; it does not depict an actual property.
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