Posted: Thursday, October 16, 2025

How to avoid buyer’s remorse: how to make a confident property purchase

Owning a home is a lifelong aspiration for many, yet research shows that nearly 80% of homeowners have at least one major regret about their purchase. A surprising figure, considering buying a property is often the largest financial commitment a person will ever make.

Buying a home can be an emotional experience. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding “the one,” which can sometimes lead to overlooking important details. Often, it’s only after moving in that buyers begin to notice things they missed or realise certain compromises weren’t worth making. If you’re preparing to buy, here are some key steps to help ensure your decision is one you’ll feel confident about for years to come.

 

Separate your needs from your wants

Before you start viewing properties, take the time to list out your must-haves and your nice-to-haves. Your must-haves should include non-negotiables such as the number of bedrooms, location, or proximity to schools and transport. Your wants can include features you’d love to have, like a garden, an open-plan layout, or period character. By distinguishing between what you need and what you’d simply like, you’ll be better prepared to make a clear-headed decision when emotions run high.

 

Stay focused

When you find a property that looks perfect, it’s easy to be swayed by presentation or style. But remember to check back against your list of priorities. A property that doesn’t meet your essential needs is unlikely to be right for you in the long term. You may be living there for several years, so those compromises could start to feel more significant over time. It’s better to take a little longer to find the right fit than to rush into a decision that doesn’t truly meet your goals.

 

Check your finances

One of the most common causes of buyer regret stems from underestimating the true cost of ownership. Beyond your mortgage, there are other regular and one-off costs to factor in, such as council tax, insurance, utilities, service charges, maintenance, and (for leasehold properties) ground rent. Before making an offer, speak with your mortgage lender or a qualified financial adviser to understand exactly what you can afford and what costs you should anticipate. A realistic budget will give you peace of mind and help you plan for the long term.

 

Get a second opinion

It’s worth seeking professional advice before committing to a purchase. A surveyor can identify potential structural issues or costly repairs that may not be obvious at first glance. If you choose not to commission a survey, consider bringing along a trusted friend or family member to view the property with you. A fresh, objective pair of eyes can often spot things you might have overlooked in the excitement.

 

Choose the right solicitor

The conveyancing process can be complex, so it’s essential to select a solicitor or conveyancer you trust. Don’t feel obliged to use the one recommended by your agent if you’re not comfortable with them. A good solicitor will communicate clearly, keep you informed at every stage, and help ensure your purchase proceeds smoothly. The right professional support can make all the difference to how straightforward – or stressful – the process feels.

 

Avoid getting caught in a bidding war

Competition from another buyer can make a property seem more desirable than it really is. However, it’s important to remain disciplined. Overbidding could stretch your finances and lead to paying more than the property’s true value. If the price rises beyond your budget or comfort zone, be prepared to walk away. Remember, buying a home isn’t about “winning” – it’s about finding the right property for you at the right price.

 

Buying a home is both an emotional and financial journey. By preparing properly, knowing your priorities, and taking your time to make informed decisions, you can greatly reduce the risk of regret. Staying objective, seeking expert advice, and keeping your long-term goals in focus will help you move forward with confidence – and enjoy your new home for all the right reasons. Your local Guild Member can provide trusted advice, bespoke support, and an unmatched level of service to help you find the right home with confidence. 

 

Looking to buy?

Looking to buy?

We'd love to help you on your journey home.
Don't miss out on on the latest properties by registering for our property alerts.

Register with us today

Read What Our
Customers Say

I can't speak more highly of the team at Homesearch. When I met Michael to discuss the sale of my home instantly from that meeting, I could tell how knowledgeable they were. From that moment until closing, everything went absolutely flawless. This experience of selling went without a hitch with them giving great tips on preparing my home for viewings. Thank you. I really appreciate all your help during this process. I highly recommend Homesearch to any person who is looking to sell their home or buy a new home.

Loretta Barrett, Seller

I started with two very well known real estates, but I hated it. I was simply another number to them and I didn't feel they were honest and transparent. With HomeSearch I felt comfortable that they were on my side and they were always available to help. The process is hard enough, so having a team who supports you can make such a difference. Highly recommend.

Arian Barvarz, Seller

The reason we chose Homesearch to sell our property was that we liked the straightforward, no-nonsense approach of both Anna and Michael. They gave an honest appraisal of our property and a clear idea of what we could expect to sell it for. In fact, the offer we accepted exceeded our expectations. The sale took longer than we would have liked, due to delays caused by the buyers' solicitor, but Michael was tenacious and must have worn his phone out keeping everyone informed of progress.

Nicola Watson, Seller

Homesearch are hands down the best agent I have ever worked with ! The team helped me in an extremely complex sale. Without the knowledge and experience of the whole team, my sale would not have completed. I dont normally write reviews, only when they are truly deserved. An exceptional team! Very kind and personable, reliable & trustworthy.

Leslie John, Seller

My experience with Homesearch is that they are professional, friendly and go above and beyond to ensure that something stressful like selling a house runs as smoothly and stress free as possible. They work hard to get the results and have kept me updated throughout the process. I honestly could not recommend them enough, they are easily the best company I’ve dealt with in the buying/selling houses field. And to top it all off, they always answer the phone in the most pleasant tone and always provide service with a smile.

Chanelle Hunte, Seller

Homesearch are PROFESSIONALS. I sold my property through Homesearch and I have not dealt with a more competent agency. Every single person  dealt with knew exactly what they were talking about and I can tell that they all have knowledge in the industry and were not just picked up from the street. From the get go I was impressed and I will certainly do business with them again.

Paul Hobbs, Seller

Many thanks Homesearch for locating professional corporate tenants for my property. I am very happy with your property management service as you always ensure that the tenants give the property back in good order at check out. Five Stars!

Maria Foran, Landlord

I have been absolutely delighted with the exceptional service I have received from Homesearch. They have removed all the stress & hassle of renting my property and dealt with all manner of situations I would have struggled with in such a professional & courteous manner. They give valuable unbiased advice with such a wealth of experience. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff, who are always friendly & helpful. Homesearch let and managed my property and I am very happy with their property management services, they are very knowledgeable.

Paula Carter, Landlord

Homesearch always do what they say they will do. They are efficient and raise any issues early and provide options to resolve them. Homesearch is very  easy to get hold of and talk to, no matter where I am in the world! My property is well looked after, regarding tradesmen, replacement of items swiftly etc. with the minimum of fuss.

David Connells, Landlord

From our first viewing right through to the present, Home Search were brilliant. They helped make the whole process quick and stress free and even now we are in and settled, they are still happy to assist us with any queries we may have. We couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Julie Maney

Home Search helped us move into our new flat smoothly and Tim was always happy to provide help to put our nerves at ease. Arranging a viewing was easy and Home Search were happy to open after hours for us to sign the paperwork. They were very helpful and often would offer to help! Having moved in we received a lovely card and they have always been swift in communicating with Usif we have any questions. Would recommend it.

Will Houghton

Michael and his team were simply amazing!! They helped us to find the perfect house, offering a nice and attentive service from the beginning through to the end. Thank you so much!! 5 stars service. Highly recommended!!!

Giordana Sicali

Very helpful and friendly staff. Tim, Michael and the team Made the whole renting experience easier.

Amol Sinare

I had a very difficult situation as I did not have a guarantor and my dad was earning enough but was not a homeowner. It took a about 3 weeks but Michael sorted it all out in the end and my dad became my guarantor. I got a lovely home and all the staff were very helpful including Paris, Zainab and Tim. Thank you all very much! Would recommend them to anyone

Misti Chakraborty

On behalf of myself, Noa & Niamh, we would like to start off by saying a massive thank you for the amazing service Home Search Ltd provided us with, especially highlighting the work of Clorissa. Within a week we were able to sign, seal and move into the property that we looked at, all down to Clorissa's prompt and effective work ethic, which allowed us a smooth transition from one property to another, without her, this move would not of been possible to have happened within the time stamp that it did. We are very grateful for the work that was done by Home Search Ltd, highly recommend.

Lewis Francis
How Much is Your Property Worth?

Expert Valuation

We always come armed with evidence and statistics of why we are pricing your property a certain way. We know the importance of getting the initial price of your property right, first time. With our extensive experience we will also explain current market conditions as we want to get our sellers the best price.

What's more, get a free gift with your free expert valuation with one of our experienced Valuer's.

Book a Valuation