While vendors are keen to sell their property as soon as possible, the ongoing process of putting up with purchasers coming to their home can become a source of irritation. After all, vendors have busy lives and they value their privacy. How can they strike a reasonable balance between privacy and access?

Professional agents understand that it takes a lot of time and energy keeping a property immaculate and inspection-ready and that some restriction of inspection access is reasonable. But they will most certainly advise against limiting inspection times too much. Experience has shown that the most impatient property seekers are often the most impetuous buyers. Buyers, too, have busy lives. Some walk through the office door expecting to look at a property NOW and walk out again just as quickly if they can’t – and often they don’t come back at the vendor’s convenience, especially if they find something they like soon after.

Some restrictions seem logical and obvious – what’s the point, for example, of a first visit at night when the location , outlook and orientation to natural light will be unable to be assessed? On the other hand, a purchaser coming for a second or third inspection may well want to see if the interior and exterior lighting are adequate, particularly if they have special requirements in that area.

Restricting access to sunny days or moments of serendipitous weather and natural light conditions may seem desirable and may be worthwhile in some cases, but the futility of insisting on perfect viewing conditions often becomes apparent when prospective purchasers want to inspect at different times of the day before making a final decision.

No reasonable agent will expect round the clock access to a property listed on their books for sale. Most will be sympathetic and attentive to the needs of their client while bearing in mind that their number one need is to sell the property and that a quick sale is the smallest disruption of all. Vendors with special access requirements should make sure they clarify their needs with their agent, and ask advice on what is a reasonable level of restriction that won’t alienate potential buyers and cost sales.