" Don’t go rummaging through drawers or cupboards that are clearly personal. If in doubt, ask the agent what’s okay to open. "
- Jamie Jacobs - Paramount Properties
New research from fitted furniture company Hammonds Furniture reveals that two in three UK house hunters admit to looking inside private areas of a property during viewings, raising questions around etiquette and intent. From kitchen cupboards to bedside tables, many prospective buyers are unable to resist taking a look behind closed doors.
The findings suggest curiosity is often justified, with several practical reasons motivating the behaviour.
According to the research, the top eight spaces people most commonly inspect during viewings are:
Under the stairs (48%)
Loft (40%)
Shed (37%)
Kitchen cupboards (35%)
Wardrobe (20%)
Bathroom cabinet (12%)
Chest of drawers (10%)
Bedside tables (10%)
When asked why they do it, nearly half of respondents (47%) said they were trying to get a better understanding of the available space. Other reasons included assessing cleanliness (19%), gauging organisation (15%), general nosiness (10%), and looking at the current owner’s belongings (6%).
“It’s completely natural to want to look behind closed doors,” said Melissa Denham, interior expert at Hammonds Furniture. “After all, storage is one of the biggest challenges in UK homes. But there’s a difference between snooping and scoping out potential. It’s important to check for signs of mould, poor ventilation, or cluttered space, which can affect your living experience and future renovation costs.”
Jamie Jacobs, property expert at Paramount Properties, also supports a practical approach — but with limits. “When you’re looking around a property you are considering buying, you can definitely have a quick peek in places such as under the stairs or inside fitted wardrobes, essentially anywhere that’s built-in and staying with the property,” he explained. “After all, it’s the best way of getting an idea of the storage on offer and how practical the space really is.”
Jacobs emphasised the importance of respecting boundaries. “When taking a peek into people’s spaces remember to keep it respectful,” he noted. “Remind yourself that you are viewing someone’s home, not just a property. Don’t go rummaging through drawers or cupboards that are clearly personal. If in doubt, ask the agent what’s okay to open. The golden rule is: if it’s fixed to the wall or part of the structure, it’s usually fine to check out.”
The research also found that just 47% of prospective buyers actively assess space when viewing a home, despite this being one of the most valuable features of a property. Even commonly overlooked areas, such as the space under the stairs, are only checked by less than half of buyers (48%).
