Common Mistakes when Buying a House

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make, yet it’s surprisingly easy to get things wrong.

At Stacks our professional property finders have seen countless buyers fall into the same traps—many of which could be avoided with the right guidance.

Whether it’s your first property buying journey or your tenth, whether you’re buying a home to live in, renovate, a holiday home or a rental – you’re never too experienced to be caught out! If you need advice or guidance when it comes to buying a property then contact us to work with one of our buying agents to avoid these common mistakes.

Common Mistakes when buying a house

Here are seven of the most common mistakes people make when buying a house, and why they can lead to costly consequences.

1. Not Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

Many buyers start house hunting without confirming how much they can actually borrow. A mortgage agreement in principle not only clarifies your budget but also shows sellers you’re serious. We would advise that all of our clients ensure they have a good idea of what they are able to borrow if this is a requirement. The amount you can borrow can change if you already own a property or if the property isn’t going to be used as your primary residence. If you have any questions about this then contact our buying agents today.

2. Not Researching the Area Properly

Even if the house is perfect, location matters. Is the area safe? What are the schools like? Will the value appreciate? Local knowledge is key—something our team brings to every search.

As property finders, we would always encourage our clients to start with the area and then find a property and not the other way round. Our regional directors specialise in different areas of the UK and are able to give you all the information you need. If you don’t know what area you want to live in then give us a call, we can have a discussion with you and help you determine the area that would suit your requirements best.

3. Poor Communication With Solicitors

A slow or unresponsive solicitor can delay the entire process. Buyers often assume everything is ticking along until they find out otherwise too late. Stay in regular contact—or better yet, work with a recommended, proactive legal team.

When you work with a property finder like Stacks, we can handle all the communication with legal bodies for you so this is one stress you don’t need to think about.

4. Failing to Factor in All Costs

Too often, buyers focus solely on the asking price, forgetting about stamp duty, legal fees, survey costs, moving expenses, and potential renovations. These can quickly add up and derail your financial plans if not budgeted for in advance.

As a buying agent, we can help you estimate costs for all of these elements right from the beginning so you get a better idea of your budget from the start.

5. Underestimating Renovation Time and Costs

Planning to renovate? Many buyers grossly underestimate how long it takes—or how much it costs. From planning permissions to hidden building issues, things rarely go exactly to plan. If you’re planning to renovate, don’t expect to move in straight away.

If you are hoping to renovate your property then take advantage of our industry links, we can introduce you to tradespeople and contractors that will suit your building and vision.

6. Ignoring Future Resale Value

It might be your dream home now, but will others feel the same in 5 or 10 years? Unusual layouts, poor locations, or limited transport links can hurt resale value of your property. Thinking ahead helps protect your investment.

7. Not Using a Property Finder

We may be biased, but another common mistake that occurs when buying a house is not using a property finder. Going it alone in a fast-paced, competitive market puts you at a disadvantage. A professional property finder can identify off-market opportunities, negotiate on your behalf, and help you avoid all of the above mistakes.

Working with Stacks to Avoid Common Mistakes when Buying a House

Buying a home is thrilling, but it’s also fraught with potential missteps. At Stacks our mission is to make the property buying process smoother, smarter, and more successful for our clients. If you’re considering a purchase, let us help you navigate the journey—minus the common mistakes.