A survey of approaching 1,100 adults who have bought homes in the past year has revealed their favourite wants and don’t-wants.
So what are today’s buyers looking for?
Just 3% of those surveyed said they were actively seeking a full renovation project, whilst a further 3% were prepared to purchase a home requiring structural changes or reconfiguration.
A further 17% were willing to buy a structurally sound property requiring full redecoration or modernisation.
The vast majority, however, were looking for a home that was ready to live in.
More than half of all buyers surveyed (54%) said they were prepared to undertake only minor cosmetic updates, whilst 23% wanted a fully modernised, turnkey property requiring no work at all.
When asked why they favoured a property requiring little or no work, the most common reason was avoiding the disruption associated with renovation works (21%).
Buyers also cited a desire to move in quickly (17%), a lack of time due to work or lifestyle commitments (15%), and a lack of DIY skills or experience (15%).
For those willing to take on a project, the motivation was primarily financial.
The most common reason was securing a lower purchase price (21%), followed by the ability to create their own style and features (19%) and the opportunity to add value to the property (16%).
Despite ongoing affordability pressures, most buyers remained committed to their original plans. Some 79% stated that they ultimately purchased the type of property they had originally intended to buy.
Just 13% compromised by purchasing a property requiring more work than planned, whilst only 8% opted for a property requiring less work.
Housing stock availability was not a major factor in shaping these decisions. Seven in ten buyers (70%) said that stock availability within their chosen area had no influence on the level of work they were willing to take on.
The survey was commissioned by online agency Yopa, whose chief executive – Verona Frankish – says: “Whilst sellers may assume that bringing a property to market in need of improvement could appeal due to the lower asking price, today’s buyers are placing a premium on convenience, certainty and a seamless move.
“As a result, those sellers who invest in presenting their home in the best possible condition are likely to appeal to the widest pool of buyers and stand the strongest chance of securing a successful sale.”
Source:- https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2026/06/what-are-buyers-looking-for-new-analysis/