Sometimes we rush through viewings, talking non-stop with agents, and forget to simply listen. Standing quietly by an open window for five or ten minutes tells you a lot about everyday life outside.

You’ll pick up on traffic noise patterns, honking, construction sounds, loudspeakers, school bells, train horns, or the general buzz of people. Maybe it’s pleasantly lively, or maybe it’s more chaotic than you’d want every single day.

You may also notice smells – food from nearby stalls, exhaust fumes, industrial odours, or surprisingly fresh air and trees. You’ll see how close other windows are, how much people can see into your space, and whether the street feels friendly or tense.

It’s like doing a sound and atmosphere test for your future home. Walls and finishes can be changed; the environment outside is harder to control.