"The majority of us start our search with a clear idea of what our perfect property looks like, but when it comes to actually finding it, it’s often easier said than done"
- Verona Frankish - Yopa
Fewer than one in five homebuyers say the property they bought was their ‘perfect home,’ according to new research from Yopa. The study highlights how outdoor space and overall size are the most common compromises made during the buying process.
The survey of recent buyers, commissioned by Yopa, found that 58% began their search with a clear idea of what their dream home would look like, while another 27% had a fairly clear idea. Location, size, number of bedrooms, and outdoor space ranked among the most important factors defining this vision.
However, turning that ideal into reality proved challenging. Just 17% of respondents said they found a home that met every criterion on their dream property checklist, while most had to make concessions along the way. Only 19% ultimately purchased a property that matched their initial expectations, with 81% admitting they settled for less than perfect.
The most common compromises involved the size of the garden or outdoor space, followed by the overall size of the property, the style or character of the home, and its location.
For many, affordability was a key issue. Some 73% of buyers said that with a larger budget, their dream home would have been achievable. However, 8% stated they could not find a ‘perfect’ property at any price point.
Despite these compromises, most buyers were satisfied with their purchase. The research revealed that 88% said they were ultimately happy with the home they bought, even if it fell short of their original vision.
“The majority of us start our search with a clear idea of what our perfect property looks like, but when it comes to actually finding it, it’s often easier said than done,” said Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa. “Of course, price is a major factor for many buyers, but there’s also the reality of what’s actually available on the market, which can dictate the style, location and space of the properties we purchase.”
Frankish noted that emotion also plays a role in decision-making. “Then there’s the gut feeling, the one you get when you walk into a property and think ‘this is perfect’,” she explained. “For many homebuyers, this feeling never comes, even when admittedly viewing houses that are lovely in their own right.”
She added that compromise is often an unavoidable part of the process. “With so many factors influencing our thoughts and feelings on a house, it’s no surprise that a large proportion of homebuyers end up making compromises, rather than finding a property that meets every expectation they had at the start of their search,”
Frankish said. “So if you’re struggling to find that perfect home, you’re certainly not alone. The key is to focus on what matters most, whether that’s space, location, or long-term potential, and remember that in most cases you’ll ultimately end up happy, even if your property doesn’t meet your vision of perfection straight off the bat.”
