House viewings have long been a crucial step in the home-buying journey, offering potential buyers the opportunity to explore a property before making one of the most significant decisions of their lives. However, a recent study from Zoopla highlights an alarming trend: instead of focusing on the structural elements and overall condition of the property, many UK homebuyers spend most of their viewing time looking at artwork and furniture. A heatmap analysis revealed that buyers are often distracted by decor, potentially overlooking important aspects of the property that could significantly impact their decision. Additionally, the research shows that one in five homebuyers spend less than 20 minutes viewing a property before deciding to make an offer.
Compounding this issue is the fact that a vast majority of homebuyers skip professional surveys, primarily due to the high costs.
This tendency to focus on superficial elements during viewings, combined with skipping professional surveys, can lead to costly oversights.
Survey Shack transforms the viewing process by equipping potential buyers with a guided, interactive app that leads them through a comprehensive property inspection. The app is designed to highlight areas of concern that might otherwise be missed during a typical viewing. Instead of being distracted by the latest interior design trends, buyers can focus on what truly matters—the condition of the property they are considering.
With Survey Shack, buyers can:
Focus on What Matters: The app guides users through key areas of the property, helping them spot visible and accessible defects, including dampness, structural issues, and other common problems that could affect the property’s value.
Gain Property Knowledge: Many people aren’t familiar with building pathology or construction details. The app not only helps identify issues like damp or structural concerns but also serves as an educational tool, teaching users about different wall types, construction methods, and the significance of various building components. It empowers users with the knowledge needed to better understand their property and make informed decisions.
Make Informed Decisions: The app generates an instant, detailed report that provides actionable insights and informs users of the specific types of specialists, such as qualified tradespeople or specialised surveyors, needed for further evaluation.
In a market where many buyers do not opt for professional surveys, Survey Shack bridges the gap by making property assessment simpler, smarter, and more accessible. It ensures that buyers have the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions, transforming house viewings from a surface-level inspection into a comprehensive and informed evaluation of what could be their future home.
As the Zoopla report has shown, there is a clear need for this shift in the home-buying process. Survey Shack is leading the charge, ensuring that every viewing is not just about seeing a house but about truly understanding it.
In a market where decisions are often made in the blink of an eye, Survey Shack provides the clarity and confidence buyers need to make informed choices. With this innovative tool at their fingertips, the future of house viewings is smarter, more transparent, and ultimately, more successful.
