Buying a new home is one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions most people will make. With property prices continuing to rise in many parts of the UK, more buyers are stretching their budgets to secure a home—only to be hit with regret shortly after moving in.

Recent studies show that over 50% of homebuyers in the UK experience buyer’s remorse, often due to unexpected repairs, poor neighbourhood fit, or rising maintenance costs.

At Dunham Hale Surveyors, we’ve seen these issues first-hand—and helped hundreds of buyers avoid them through proper planning and high-quality advice. In this article, we highlight the most common regrets and how you can avoid them by choosing the right support—starting with a Level 3 Building Survey.

1. Skipping a Comprehensive Building Survey

The most common regret among buyers? Not getting a Building Survey—or worse, relying on a basic Homebuyer Report when the property needed a more detailed assessment.

At Dunham Hale Surveyors, we specialise in Level 3 Building Surveys, which are the most detailed type of property inspection available. These surveys are essential when buying older homes, period properties, or homes with non-standard construction.

We also include a Free Drone Survey (worth £395) as standard, giving you a full view of hard-to-access areas like chimneys, flat roofs, and valley gutters. Many surveyors skip these areas—but we don’t believe in half a job.

Tip: Always instruct an RICS-qualified surveyor to carry out a full Level 3 Building Survey before you buy, especially if the property is older, extended, or looks like it needs work.

2. Underestimating Renovation Costs

It’s easy to watch a home improvement show and assume renovations are quick and inexpensive. In reality, even small projects can spiral in cost—especially if hidden defects weren’t flagged before purchase.

Our Building Surveys help you plan ahead by flagging known issues and giving estimated repair costs (typically for defects over £5,000), so you’re not left with unpleasant surprises after moving in.

Tip: Use the findings from your Dunham Hale Survey to get realistic quotes and budget for hidden works before you buy.

3. Ignoring Neighbourhood Factors

Falling in love with a house is easy—but what about the area? Noise, local crime rates, school quality, and future developments all impact quality of life and resale value.

Tip: View the property at different times and speak to neighbours. Your Homebuyer Report or Level 3 Survey from Dunham Hale can also flag local planning applications and neighbourhood risks.

4. Not Thinking Ahead

Many buyers buy for today without considering tomorrow. A growing family, remote working, or lifestyle changes can make a home feel unsuitable far too soon.

Tip: Consider your 5- to 10-year plan when choosing a property. Our Building Surveys help you understand whether the home is adaptable for your future needs.

5. Overlooking Maintenance Costs

Every home needs regular care. Roofs, boilers, plumbing, render, and more all deteriorate over time. Many buyers forget to budget for these ongoing costs.

At Dunham Hale Surveyors, our reports go beyond defect identification—we help you plan for future maintenance and advise how to get the best value for your money.

Tip: Set aside 1–3% of your property’s value annually for maintenance. Our survey helps you anticipate what’s coming.

6. Not Understanding Boundaries and Restrictions

Covenants, party wall responsibilities, and boundary disputes can turn a dream home into a legal headache. We regularly advise clients who were unaware of these complications.

Tip: Our RICS Building Surveys and Homebuyer Reports highlight legal risks and recommend when to consult a solicitor before exchange.

7. Falling for Aesthetics

A beautifully staged home can distract you from structural problems, poor layouts, or lack of storage. Once the furniture’s gone, reality sets in.

Tip: Use our Level 3 Survey to look beyond the surface. We’ll point out practical limitations and help you make a more grounded decision.

8. Not Researching Local Schools and Amenities

Proximity to good schools and amenities is critical, especially for families. Yet it’s often an afterthought—until it’s too late.

Tip: Investigate school catchments and public services before you commit. These factors are also reflected in long-term property value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Level 3 Building Survey, and why is it better than a Homebuyer Report?
A Level 3 Survey (often called a Full Building Survey) is a comprehensive inspection of the property’s structure and condition. It’s ideal for older, larger, or more complex properties. Unlike a Level 2 Homebuyer Report, it covers concealed areas, lists major and minor defects, and provides repair advice and cost estimates. At Dunham Hale Surveyors, our Level 3 Surveys also include a Free Drone Survey.

Q: Why should I use Dunham Hale Surveyors?
We offer a one-to-one, private client service, not a volume-based, templated report approach. Every survey is carried out by a qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor, with clear, practical advice, repair cost guidance, and aftercare support. We’ve helped thousands of buyers across the UK buy with confidence and we’re 5★ rated on Trustpilot.

Q: Can a Building Survey help me negotiate the price?
Absolutely. If our report identifies costly issues, many of our clients use that insight to renegotiate or request repairs before exchange. This often offsets the cost of the survey many times over.

Conclusion

Buying a property is a major investment—and avoiding regrets starts with getting the right advice. At Dunham Hale Surveyors, our detailed Level 3 Building Surveys and Homebuyer Reports are designed to protect you from costly mistakes.

With tailored advice, free drone inspections, practical repair guidance, and clear reporting, we help you move forward with confidence.

Book your Building Survey with Dunham Hale Surveyors today – and take the guesswork out of buying your next home.