Research by Saga Home Insurance, the leading provider of goods and services for the over 50s, has revealed that the age of the vendor should always be a key consideration, as those aged 50+ are less likely than any other age group to lie in order to sell their home.
Find out how much your home is worth
The survey showed that vendors aged 18-24 were the least trustworthy, with over half admitting that they would happily lie in order to sell their home. Over 50s are, by far, the most honest with three in four saying they would definitely not lie, compared to less than two in three of those aged under 50 who said the same.
Despite its light-hearted nature, the survey exposed a more serious issue around homebuying, with 34 per cent of under 50s admitting they would paint over a damp patch rather than investigating or rectifying the problem a lie that could cost the new owners thousands to rectify.
Sagas research serves as a warning to potential buyers of the importance of researching the area thoroughly, and visiting the property on different days and times. Half of those aged under 50 admitted they would deceive potential buyers into thinking there was adequate parking in their street compared to one in three of the over 50s.
Find your ideal house, flat or apartment here
Furthermore, a quarter of under 50s would go as far as insisting on daytime viewings only, when other residents of the street are likely to be at work and the road clear.
In addition, 32 per cent are more than willing to hide the fact that they have noisy neighbours compared to just 21 per cent of the over 50s. One in four under 50s said they would strategically arrange viewings for when their neighbours are out, compared to 17 per cent of over 50s. A sneaky one in 20 would even lie and comment on how lovely the neighbours were.
Loading ...