Seven in 10 (72%) UK homebuyers that were surveyed by Which? Mortgage Advisers viewed fewer than 10 properties before they bought their current home.
One in 10 (9%) viewed just one property with respondents in Scotland being the most likely to do that. One in seven (15%) in Scotland bought after their first viewing, compared to 9% in England and 4% in London.
Sellers in Scotland must arrange a Home Report when putting their property on the market, which could give buyers greater peace of mind and lead to more people viewing a single property before making a purchase.
Which? Mortgage Advisers also uncovered some of the reasons that might have led homebuyers to view multiple properties. One homebuyer explained that while viewing a property they noticed “naive attempts at concealing damp”, while another found that there was a “huge pile of dirty laundry in dining area, nearly reaching the ceiling.”
During another viewing, the potential buyer found the “water supply coming through a hose from a well in the garden” and another reported that there was “someone in the bath”.
David Blake, principal mortgage adviser at Which? Mortgage Advisers, said: “Mortgages can be arranged against all kinds of property, whether in perfect condition, a long-term labour of love or in need of complete renovation.”
Advice from Which? Mortgage Advisers for property viewings:
- View at different times – It’s important to view a property more than once, so you can get a feel for it at different times of day and in different light. The same goes for the neighbourhood.
- Ask about insulation – A well-insulated house can save a lot of money on heating.
- Check for cracks – Large cracks and bowed walls can suggest that there are structural problems with the house that could cause hefty structural costs.
- Check the doors and windows shut – Open and close the windows and doors to check whether any of them don’t fit their frames or present issues around safety or privacy.
