Recent research reveals that many homebuyers in the UK make swift decisions about properties, often focusing more on aesthetics than structural integrity. Perhaps the most staggering piece of evidence is that 1 in 5 homebuyers spend fewer than 20 minutes considering a home before submitting an offer on it. This creates questions about how deeply they review individual properties.
The study highlights that potential buyers are increasingly drawn to artwork and furniture within a home rather than examining critical structural features. Interestingly enough, 37% of homebuyers first oggle over the furniture staging while 24% check out the type of home technology that is offered. Many overlook essential checks: 38% did not check for dampness, and 58% failed to investigate condensation issues.
Average home buyers spend just under 49 minutes touring a home. Since that time they have promised around £6,000 per minute in cash terms, given the average UK house price of £291,268. Even more alarmingly, 28% of homebuyers don’t see a property more than one time before making an offer. This trend serves as a reminder of a broader decision-making trend, driven often by anger rather than thoughtful deliberation.
The landlords’ data shows that viewings are averaging 2.1 viewings per property. Even after two or three visits, only 50 percent of homebuyers inspect the boiler’s condition. Other important items such as water pressure (25%), Wi-Fi strength (24%), attic (23%) and basement (19%) receive scant focus.
That’s one in seven homebuyers—roughly 14%—who open every drawer and closet to see what’s inside while home searching. In addition, 13% of them ensure that the owner’s bed and sofa are comfortably tested. Shockingly, pictures of the adorably screaming family that currently lives in this house rank as the #4 biggest turnoff. This indicates they have a strong emotional attachment to the existing occupants, favoring that attachment over a realistic assessment of the home’s condition.
This popular misconception further highlights the need for homebuyers to be more scrupulous when it comes to attending viewings. They’re working against the backdrop of a hyper-competitive housing market. By hearing why structural evaluations matter in addition to what kind of colors they like, they’re able to bypass these expensive setbacks.
“It’s crucial to inspect all elements, in order to save yourself time and money further down the line.” – Daniel Copley
This sentiment underscores the necessity for homebuyers to adopt a more diligent approach to property viewings. As they navigate the competitive housing market, understanding the importance of structural evaluations alongside aesthetic preferences could ultimately save them from costly mistakes.