Buying a home in the UK is one of the most significant investments a person can make, but the excitement of closing the deal can sometimes lead to costly oversights. According to recent data from Rightmove and research conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a surprising number of UK homeowners experience buyer’s remorse due to avoidable mistakes. This blog explores common regrets among homebuyers, focusing on RICS-backed insights and Rightmove’s data on what UK buyers wished they had considered beforehand. So, what are the most common things that cause homebuyers remorse after purchasing a home?
Homebuyers in the UK have reported they regret a number of costly mistakes when buying a home, including not getting a comprehensive home survey, underestimating renovation costs, and not looking into property boundaries.
Read on to learn what homebuyers in the UK often come to regret.
So, What Do People Often Regret After Buying A Home?
Home buyers remorse is more common than you’d think. In fact, according to the Homeowners Alliance, over 12.5 million households regret things about their home – so you’re certainly not alone! Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the most common regrets below, plus, what you can do about them:
1. Buying At The Top End Of Your Budget
Yes, your mortgage in principle may have said you can borrow 4-5x your salary, but that doesn’t mean you should buy right at the top end of your budget. Leaving some breathing room means you’ll be able to enjoy your new home without constantly stressing over money. You should still have enough left over to build an emergency fund, take holidays, and maintain some level of non-essential spending – because homeownership shouldn’t mean sacrificing your quality of life.
2. Failing To Consider All The Costs Associated With Owning A Home
One of the biggest shocks for new homeowners is the sheer number of surprise expenses (and trust us, there are plenty!). Unlike renting, where a quick call to your landlord could sort out a broken boiler or leaky roof, those costs now fall on you. From emergency repairs to ongoing maintenance, it’s crucial to budget for the unexpected so you’re not caught off guard.
Here are just some of the expenses you need to consider when moving from a rented property to an owned one:
- Higher utility bills: Many first-time buyers underestimate energy and water costs, especially if moving from a smaller rental into a larger house. Old properties may also be less energy-efficient.
- Home insurance: Your landlord’s insurance covered the building before, but now you’ll need both buildings and contents insurance, which can be pricier than expected.
- Service charges & ground rent (for leasehold properties): Flats and some houses come with extra costs like maintenance fees for communal areas, which weren’t a concern in a rental.
- Structural issues: That damp patch or small crack in the wall that seemed minor on move-in day? If you’re the owner, it’s now your responsibility to fix it before it gets worse.
3. Choosing The Wrong Area (Or Not Doing Your Research!)
A peaceful viewing doesn’t always paint an accurate picture of the area you’re going to buy in. Buyers often overlook researching the area, only to homebuyers remorse moving into a neighbourhood that doesn’t suit their lifestyle. This can present a number of issues, from lack of transport links or schools nearby, to pollution or high crime rates. Ignoring these dynamics can affect your quality of life and potentially impact the resale value of your property.
Looking to move again? Take a look at CheckMyStreet, which offers insights into neighbourhood trends, and provides information on average property prices, crime rates, and transportation links.
Not Getting A Building Survey Completed
According to RICS, nearly 20% of buyers regretted not having a thorough building survey completed before purchase, leading to huge unexpected costs once you’ve moved in. A survey not only helps you get a clear picture of the property’s condition, but it allows you to make more informed decisions before signing on the dotted line.
- Spotted a damp issue that could cost thousands to fix? You may be able to negotiate a lower asking price or request the seller to cover repairs.
- Unsure which renovation project to prioritise? Your surveyor can highlight urgent fixes, so you don’t waste money on cosmetic upgrades before addressing structural concerns.
- Thinking of converting the attic into a bedroom? A surveyor can assess whether the space is suitable and give you a rough idea of potential costs.
A professional survey costs almost nothing compared to the price of a house and could save you thousands of pounds in the long run. It’s definitely worth it! Use our Instant Quote Calculator to find out how much a survey would cost for your property, or, read our blog for more information: Everything You Need To Know About House Surveys
5. Under-Budgeting Renovation Costs
Obviously this won’t apply to all homeowners but, if you’re planning to renovate a few rooms, or even the entire house from top to bottom, you must get an accurate idea of the costs. According to Checkatrade, it costs anywhere from £76,900 – £138,800 to renovate an average 3-bedroom house, which is a lot more than you might have expected!
Factors like supply chain issues and skilled labour shortages mean that a kitchen remodel or bathroom overhaul may cost far more than anticipated. Conducting a thorough cost analysis before purchasing – ideally with at least 3 professional contractor estimates – can save you from a financial strain after you move in. We’d also recommend hiring an experienced architectural designer like Fourth Wall Building Consultancy, who can help the process go smoothly.
6. Not Choosing A Home That Can Grow With You
In the excitement of buying a home, it’s easy to focus on your immediate requirements, without thinking about what your life might look like in 2, 5, or 10 years time. Life changes – such as family expansion, working from home, or even retirement – can require additional space, amenities, or accessibility features. Failing to account for these needs can force homeowners into premature moves or costly adaptations later on.
7. Failing To Budget For Home Maintenance
A house is not a one-time investment; it requires ongoing maintenance to retain its
value and functionality, especially in older properties! Many new homeowners underestimate the cost of regular maintenance, especially if you’ve never owned a property before.
On average this is around 1% – 4% of your home’s value each year. So, if you owned a £300,000 3-bedroom house, you can expect to pay upwards of £3,000 each year on boiler servicing, gutter cleaning, roof maintenance, and painting, to name a few. Of course, this figure can vary widely based on property age and location, as well as the climate you’re in. Factoring in maintenance costs from the start can help avoid financial strain down the line.
8. Not Understanding Property Boundaries And Covenants
Understanding the boundaries and covenants associated with a property is crucial to avoid future disputes. Many buyers overlook this aspect during the buying process, leading to potential conflicts with neighbours over property lines or the use of shared spaces. RICS recommends consulting a surveyor who can clarify these legalities to prevent unpleasant surprises after purchase.
If you are planning to do work on or near a shared boundary, you will also need to hire a Party Wall Surveyor. Failure to do so can lead to legal disputes, which can be costly! If you’d like to learn more about Party Wall Agreements, read our helpful blog: Everything You Need to Know About Adjoining Owners
9. Choosing Looks Over Practicality
A visually appealing home can be mesmerising, we get it! However, you shouldn’t be drawn in on looks alone. Aesthetics can sometimes mask practical issues if you don’t spend adequate time considering your family’s needs. Buyers often regret purchasing a home based on its looks without considering functionality. For example, open-plan spaces may not suit families with young children, and modern designs with large glass panels can lead to heating and cooling inefficiencies.
It’s essential to balance the home’s visual appeal with its practical aspects to avoid a mismatch between your needs and the home’s layout. Remember, it’s much easier to change the colour of the walls than it is to knock down walls!
10. Failing To Look At Local Schools And Amenities
For buyers with children or future family plans, local schools and amenities are
essential factors. Some buyers regret not thoroughly researching local schools,
public transportation, healthcare facilities, or supermarkets nearby. If you look at the data found on Rightmove listings, you can easily find information on local primary and secondary schools.
Even if you aren’t thinking of having children right now, it’s important to consider how you might feel in a few years time. Plus, choosing an area with great schools, shops, and things to do will only have a positive impact on your property’s future resale value.
Protect Your Investment With Expert Guidance From Fourth Wall Building Consultancy
Avoid costly homebuyer regrets by making informed decisions from the start. At Fourth Wall Building Consultancy, our expert surveyors can help you assess a property’s true condition, uncover hidden issues, and even support negotiations before you commit to the purchase. Whether you need a home survey, party wall advice, or architectural guidance, our team is here to ensure your new home is a sound investment.
Get in touch today to book your free consultation, or, use our Instant Quote Calculator to find out how much a Level 2 or Level 3 survey would cost for your home.
Read this blog next – 10 Questions To Ask When Buying a House
