2 in 5 Home buyers choose before going past the hallway

2 in 5 British home-owners decided their home was the one for them before they even got past the hallway, new research can reveal.

The research highlights the impulsive nature that many home-hunters apply to one of life’s major purchase decisions, and underlines the narrow time-frame sellers have to land the right first impression in the property market

Surveying over 3,000 consumers as part of our
campaign, quizzing respondents on when they knew the property they own was the right home for them.

· 29% admitted they made up their minds either when they first arrived, or when they first set foot in
the door
· 8% stated they decided after seeing the property online
· 4% after seeing the property advertised in a newspaper
· 41% of home-owners decided to buy the house they live in before getting past the hallway

Similar results were seen for those currently renting:

‘ It’s strange to think that one of life’s most important purchasing decisions can be made before going past the hallway. Nothing stirs the emotions of the quite like home-hunting and many buyers already have a picture in their heads of their ‘dream home’ as they begin the property search process. When a property ticks all the right boxes straight away, many buyers can make quick, emotionally-led decisions. A further third of buyers made their decision to purchase at some stage during the first viewing, so stirring those initial emotions is vital but it is important to cover all bases and deliver a good all-round property-viewing experience.’