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

Posted on: Thursday, October 16, 2025

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. 

 

What Our
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I would highly recommend Hardings. Their knowledge of the local area is outstanding, and they give honest and reliable advice. They have always been my partner of choice when buying and selling.

Rhiannon Prothero

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Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

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I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

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Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

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I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

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Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

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We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

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I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

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We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

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What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

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Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

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Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

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