Buying your first house is an exciting milestone and one of the biggest decisions you'll make in life. For many, it takes major saving and careful location research. Sara Odedra from our Leicester conveyancing team gives advice for buyers.
When it comes to actually looking at houses in the areas that you like, how do you know when it's time to stop comparing houses and put an offer in? Or if you fall in love with the first house you see, what's to say that you should even compare it to any others?
How many houses do people view before buying?
According to a Moneytips.co.uk article from November 2022, most home buyers view eight properties before buying.
Data from September 2024 reported that 93% of UK properties sell with the first estate agent.
How many houses should I view?
If you're buying your first home, aim to tour at least eight properties in person, unless you feel absolutely confident with fewer. Use the first three or four as a learning experience. These early viewings help you identify dealbreakers and get a better feel for what types of layouts, neighbourhoods, or features truly suit your lifestyle. After that, narrow your focus and try to view four to six serious contenders. It's also helpful to tour at least one or two homes you ultimately don't choose. This comparison can give you valuable perspective and reinforce your confidence in the final decision.
At the end of the day, the goal isn't to see every home on the market. It's to see enough homes to make a well-informed, clear, and comfortable choice.
What do people consider when viewing houses?
A 2023 survey by Wren Kitchens showed what buyers focus on when viewing a property. Within the first 30 seconds, 54% judge a property based on its exterior and 41% judge it based on its smell. 42% judge a property based on its general cleanliness.
Viewers also paid attention to natural light (35%), and space-saving features like fitted bedrooms attracted 26%. The living room was the most viewed area, with 28% focusing on it. However, only 8% prioritised looking at the garden.
What to compare when viewing houses
Key factors to compare when viewing houses include those that impact daily life, such as:
- size, number and layout of rooms
- storage space available
- size and maintenance of a garden
- whether there is already outside storage like a garage or shed
- whether there is parking available
- which fixtures and fittings would be included
- how new the electrics and heating system are
- whether the property has been damaged e.g. by a previous leak
- what the neighbours are like
- how many other houses are for sale on the street (as it may indicate people dislike living there)
- how close you are to local amenities
- which way the house and garden face
- is there double glazing?
- is there evidence of any damp?
Advice about buying your first house
It's recommended to have a homebuyers survey done after your offer is accepted. This includes a thorough inspection of the property. A surveyor typically conducts a visual examination and provides a report on the property's overall condition. This report covers key details such as the age of the property, the type of walls, and the condition of the roof.
The survey gives you the chance to identify any potential issues before you are legally committed to buying the property.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
