New research has revealed that Brits look at an average of 4.7 properties before finding ‘the one’.

Perhaps we don’t need to look around as much as we do, because despite viewing an average of 4.7 properties, 37 per cent of us end up living in the first one we viewed, with the average buyer making an offer on just two properties.

Regionally, Brighton is the fussiest city, going to 6.9* homes before they make a decision, with Nottingham the most easy-going, viewing just 3.4 properties on average.

Demystifying the process of what it takes to find a home will be of thanks too many, as the research, by Privilege Home Insurance, found that almost two thirds of home owners (62 per cent) find it a stressful experience, with one in five (18 per cent) describing it as traumatic.

So distressing in fact, that it’s been considered more anxiety-inducing for those who have experienced hosting Christmas (75 per cent), changing jobs (56 per cent), or even organising a wedding (49 per cent); with a third of buyers (33 per cent) so traumatised that they would rather never move house again.

Furthermore, one in five would prefer to do all the household chores for a year (19 per cent), happily quit drinking alcohol (18 per cent) and even give up social media (17 per cent), instead of facing the house-hunting experience again.

With regards to the type of stress attached to buying a dream property, the top cause of concern is dealing with solicitors (38 per cent). Other property frustrations include being in a chain (33 per cent), arranging finances (25 per cent), and finding the perfect place (23 per cent).

When it comes to kerb appeal, even the door colour can have an impact, with a quarter of Brits (25 per cent) selecting sleek white as their ideal colour, followed by plain wood (21 per cent), black (17 per cent) and blue (10 per cent).

Whilst the living room and the kitchen rank high on the list of rooms which pique buyers’ interest the most, there’s a definite gender split, as women rank the kitchen the most important room in the house viewing (43 per cent), with men choosing the living room as their number one priority (41 per cent).

Meanwhile, the master bedroom is a priority for one in ten Brits (9 per cent), increasing to twice the number of millennials (17 per cent), who clearly value their sleeping space even more.

It’s mum and dad who are helping us out with the tough selection process the most, as a quarter of Brits (24 per cent) seek their advice when buying a home, with friends coming a close second (23 per cent), children (16 per cent) and partners we don’t live with (13 per cent) all part of the process.

Christian Mendes, Head of Privilege Home Insurance, said: “Finding a home is one of life’s biggest milestones. As much as it is a definitive and important achievement, it can also be a huge cause of stress and worry.

“Dealing with solicitors and estate agents, as well as getting finances in order, are all things that contribute to the stress.

“We endeavour to take some of the sting out of the final process with our easy to implement insurance policies, which are always there for situations when you may need it. This means our customers can sit back and relax once they have finally found ‘the one’.”

Most stressful part of buying a house:

1. Dealing with solicitors

2. Waiting for other people in the chain

3. Arranging finances

4. Finding the right home

5. Contract negotiations

6. Dealing with estate agents

7. Settling on the right price

8. Viewing other people’s houses

Top front door colours:

1. White

2. Plain Wood

3. Black

4. Blue

5. Red

6. Green

7. Yellow

8. Pink

ENDS

For more information, please contact: Georgie Bruer at Richmond & Towers:

[email protected] / 020 3179 0720

Notes to editors:

Research carried out amongst a nationally representative sample of 2001 UK adults by Opinium Research between 31st May and 3rd June 2019.

*Findings indicative due to low base size.

Privilege Privilege Insurance specialises in home insurance for homeowners and landlords. It also offers car insurance and breakdown cover by phone or on-line. Privilege general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Privilege and UK Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Privilege’s products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 0515 or visiting www.privilege.co.uk