The average house buyer will want eight property viewings before deciding which one to purchase, a new survey has revealed.

The E-ON study of more than 2,000 British people discovered that most house hunters think they need to visit this number of prospective homes in order to make sure they make the right decision. Just eight per cent of those questioned – fewer than one in ten people – said they would feel right putting in an offer on the first house they looked at.

The survey also discovered that 32 per cent of the people questioned think it will take around two or three months for them to choose the perfect property. More than half of people (59 per cent) admit that they know either during or straight after a viewing if they have found the right home, however, and three per cent claim they knew they had found the right property as soon as they discovered it was on the market.

The location of a property is the most important factor for house hunters, with 74 per cent of people saying this would be crucial in their decision-making. This was followed by 56 per cent of people who said mortgage costs would be one of the deciding factors, 53 per cent of respondents citing size as important and 40 per cent who would consider the quantity of work required on the property.

The energy-efficiency of a property was high on the list of priorities for more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of people considering buying for the first time, compared to 65 per cent of existing homeowners. Most people said that they thought that a newly built property would be the best choice for energy-efficiency, whilst only two per cent of people would opt for an Edwardian home based on energy criteria.

E.ON energy-efficiency expert Beverley Maguire said that whilst most people assume that new-builds will be the most energy-efficient, it is also possible to have extremely efficient older properties.

She said that people considering buying a property should consider energy-efficiency levels and ensure they have found out about existing features which can influence a decision, such as the inclusion or absence of insulation and the state of the home’s central heating system. She also urged eligible people to access the financial help offered by energy suppliers to replace boilers or insulate properties.

Even those people who choose to pay themselves to improve the efficiency of their home can see a return on their investment, both in terms of their day-to-day energy costs and their property’s appeal to future buyers. This is especially important as the E-ON survey discovered that 67 per cent of people believe the top motivation for owning property is the investment potential.

Knowing they will not be forced to move was named as one of the best reasons for owning a home by 65 per cent of people, while 59 per cent liked the idea of not having to answer to a landlord. Other positive purchasing outcomes included being able to keep a pet (25 per cent of people) and being allowed to decorate without having to get permission (54 per cent).

Whether you’re concerned about energy efficiency or any other features of a new property, Keywest will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. If you’d like help finding a new property, call us on 0116 254 4555 today!