UK homebuyers are prioritising “ready to go” properties amid higher borrowing costs, research from Market Financial Solutions has revealed.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, 916 of whom have recently bought, are in the process of buying, or plan to buy a property in the next 12 months, found that the quality and finish of a property was cited by 79 per cent of respondents as important.
This places it as the number one priority for homebuyers, up from the fourth most cited priority in 2024.
In contrast, the potential for extensions and conversations has fallen to the bottom of the priority list, with just 56 per cent of respondents indicating that it was important to them.
Market Financial Solutions CEO, Paresh Raja, said: “Our ‘Homebuyer Wishlist’ survey monitors the wants and needs of UK property buyers evolves over time.
“The standout finding this year is that there is an increased desire for properties in good condition.
“With borrowing costs still above the levels seen from 2008 to 2022, buyers are perhaps seeking stability and predictability, favouring homes that are ready to move into rather than those needing renovation or refurbishment.
“Any ‘doer upper’ brings uncertainty, particularly when it comes to the cost of materials and labour, as well as the potential for delays, which can present challenges from a financing perspective.”
Market Financial Solutions added that its data suggests today’s buyers are more focused on convenience and certainty due to the elevated cost of borrowing.
However, Raja pointed out that, as ever, the industry has to appreciate that all homebuyers are different.
“Some will relish a project, others want the turnkey option,” he said.
“As lenders must double down on optionality when offering flexible, fast finance that allows buyers to act with confidence when the right property becomes available.”
tom.dunstan@ft.com
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