When it comes to purchasing a property, there are many factors to consider – price, location, and overall appeal. But beyond these obvious considerations, potential buyers also have a list of dealbreakers that could instantly turn them off a property. A recent survey has revealed the biggest red flags that are deterring Brits from buying a home, and unsurprisingly, mould and damp emerged as the top concern.
According to the survey of 2,001 prospective homebuyers, a staggering 49% stated that the presence of mould or damp would be enough to make them withdraw their offer. This isn’t surprising, as living in a mouldy home poses significant health risks, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even exacerbating conditions like asthma.
Coming in at a close second, 43% of respondents stated that a noisy area, including noisy neighbours, would deter them from making a purchase. An overpriced property followed closely behind, with 39% of respondents indicating they would be put off by an asking price that they considered too high.
Interestingly, the survey also highlighted gendered preferences in home buying. While the top three dealbreakers remained consistent for both men and women (mould/damp, noisy neighbours/area, and high asking price), men ranked location as their fourth biggest concern (35%). On the other hand, women placed a higher emphasis on unusual smells (41%), whether it be musty odours or evidence of a plumbing issue. Women were also more concerned about a property being located in a floodplain (41%), compared to 31% of men.
While these red flags may deter buyers, other factors seem to have less impact. Only 7% of respondents were put off by a property being listed, and a mere 15% were concerned about a property being on the market for a long time.
The survey’s findings provide valuable insights into the priorities and concerns of UK homebuyers. For those looking to purchase a home, it is crucial to be aware of these potential dealbreakers and to meticulously inspect properties to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Here are the top 20 dealbreakers that Brits are most concerned about when viewing a property:
1.
Mould/damp:
49%2.
Noisy neighbours/area:
43%3.
Overpriced:
39%4.
Location:
38%5.
Unusual smells:
37%6.
Cracks in the walls or ceiling:
36%7.
Home being on a floodplain:
36%8.
Signs of pests:
34%9.
No driveway or designated parking spaces:
29%10.
Unclear access ownership:
24%11.
Unclear boundary lines:
24%12.
Leasehold:
23%13.
Pushy estate agent:
23%14.
Single glazing:
22%15.
Home being messy:
17%16.
Many nearby homes are up for sale:
16%17.
Listed property:
15%18.
Long time on the market:
15%19.
Low asking price:
8%20.
