Hosted by Gareth Wax, along with Hamish McLay and joined by Wendy Gibson from The First Time Buyers Club.
What makes a dream home turn into a regret?
It’s a sobering thought, and one worth exploring. This week on Property Matters, we turn to the latest report from the HomeOwners Alliance, which highlights the top regrets many UK buyers face after moving in. For plenty, it’s not just the price they paid. It’s the surprises that followed.
Nearly 30% of homeowners surveyed admitted to at least one regret. And topping that list? The cost of repairs and maintenance. That figure sits ahead of location, property size and even neighbour disputes. It’s what’s hidden from view that often proves most challenging.
These issues rarely show up at first glance. Damp behind furniture, ageing systems or outdated wiring don’t always jump out during a viewing. Yet once you’ve moved in, the reality sets in. These problems don’t just affect budgets. They take a toll on peace of mind too.
In today’s fast-moving market, there’s still pressure on buyers to act quickly. Some are skipping second viewings or placing too much trust in appearances. That can lead to costly oversights.
A comprehensive survey, good local knowledge and reliable up-front search data could make all the difference.
There’s an interesting pattern in the data as well. Women were more likely to regret the property’s location, while men were more likely to say the home was too small. These are not small details; they speak to rushed decisions and expectations not being met.
And what about the unseen costs? Replacing a failing heating system with a new heat pump, for instance, can run into several thousand pounds.
Does the average buyer know what it really costs to replace the old gas boiler, then install the new equipment, the heat-pump, and bring the system up to standard?
These are the sorts of figures that rarely come up during initial conversations, yet they matter enormously once the move is complete.
So where’s the fix? Slowing down might be part of the answer. Giving buyers the time and support to think beyond the excitement of an accepted offer. That could mean clear advice to help them weigh up longer-term costs or early warnings about future works.
Wendy Gibson from The First Time Buyers Club joins the conversation with reflections from her work supporting new buyers through the process. She’s seen how better-informed decisions can ease stress and help avoid those “if only” moments later on.
We’ll also look at the importance of clarity across the board. Not just between buyer and agent, but throughout the conveyancing process. The more open the communication, the better the outcome.
Join us live on Tuesday 8th July at 1pm for Property Matters as we explore what turns a purchase into a problem – and how the property world can help turn hindsight into foresight.
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