House hunting picks up as some offer after 20 minutes

Buyer demand is expected to rise, but this may not be matched with the number of homes put on the market.

The result could be higher prices and greater competition between house hunters.

Zoopla’s survey suggested that a fifth of those asked who had bought in the last five years, put in an offer after a total viewing time of 20 minutes.

Some spent less than five minutes looking around, although the average was 49 minutes.

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “Buying a home is the most expensive purchase most of us will ever make. So, it’s crucial to make every effort to inspect all elements, in order to save yourself time and money further down the line.”

During the pandemic, lockdown restrictions meant some buyers were making offers having only had virtual viewings.

The race for inside and outdoor space during that time, as well as stamp duty incentives, created a boost in sales particularly in rural and coastal areas.