I Interviewed 10 People in London and this is what they wish they knew before Buying a Property.

Buying a property

Buying a home in London can feel like trying to win a prize in a rigged arcade game confusing rules, hidden costs, and the nagging feeling that someone knows more than you.

So, I decided to ask the experts: not estate agents or mortgage brokers, but real people who’ve actually done it.

I interviewed 10 Londoners from different boroughs, from first-time buyers in Zone 3 to seasoned renovators in central postcodes. Here’s what they wish they’d known before taking the plunge.

“Leasehold is a minefield. I didn’t even know what it meant.”

- Sarah, 31, Lewisham

Many first-time buyers don’t fully understand leasehold vs. freehold, until it’s too late. Sarah discovered too late that her lease only had 78 years left, this tanked her resale value and came with a hefty extension cost.

Lesson: Always check lease length (aim for 90+ years), ground rent terms, and service charges before putting in an offer.

“The legal process is sloooow. I thought I was being scammed when buying a property."

— Reece, 29, Stratford

Reece’s solicitor rarely replied, and the whole thing took four months longer than expected. He thought it was just him, but delays are extremely common, especially when there’s a chain involved.

Lesson: Budget for time delays and set your solicitor a deadline for getting the deal completed.

“The extra costs nearly wiped me out.”

— Amina, 34, Tooting

Stamp duty, legal fees, surveys, moving vans, new locks, paint, furniture… it adds up fast. Amina had to rely on credit cards just to get settled in.

Lesson: Add a cushion of at least £5,000–£10,000 on top of your deposit. Your future self will thank you.

“The area felt different once I moved in."

— Jack, 38, Battersea

He loved the flat but found that he was in a transport blackhole, he thought it would be ok with the 20 minute walk to the station but it ended up taking its toll pretty quickly.

Lesson: Visit the area at different times of day and make sure to do the walk from the house / flat to the station.

“I wish I’d known how hard it would be to get tradespeople.”

— Natalie, 40, Walthamstow

Natalie planned a light refurb. But finding reliable trades, getting quotes, and booking timelines felt like a full-time job.

Lesson: Start sourcing trades as soon as your offer is accepted. Ask for personal recommendations and always get multiple quotes.

Property Buying

“I didn’t know you could negotiate after the offer."

— Dan, 33, Islington

A post-survey damp issue saved Dan £8,000 but only because his friend told him he could renegotiate. Most buyers assume their offer is set in stone.

Lesson: If a survey reveals issues, you can ask for money off. Don’t be afraid to push back.

“Mortgage brokers are worth every penny.”

— Priya, 28, Shepherd’s Bush

Priya tried to go directly through her bank but her application was rejected. She then worked with a broker who found her a better deal and got her approved within days.

Lesson: A good broker knows the system and saves you stress. Always ask if they charge a fee or are commission-based.

“I wish I didn’t rush to buy just to ‘get on the ladder’.”

— Tom, 35, Barking

Tom bought a small studio because he was panicked about rising prices. A year later, he regrets not waiting to find something that suited his lifestyle more.

Lesson: Don’t panic-buy. It's okay to wait until you find the right place for you.

“New builds aren’t as perfect as they look.

— Yasmin, 32, Battersea

Yasmin bought a shiny new build and discovered ongoing snagging issues, thin walls, and a lack of storage, as well as an inflated asking price.

Lesson: Do a thorough snagging survey, even on new builds. And check the management company reviews.

“The mental load is no joke.”

— Jay, 36, Camden

Jay said the whole process left him emotionally drained , chasing documents, checking in with solicitors, not knowing what was normal.

Lesson: Buying a home is stressful. Talk about it. Rest when you can. And remind yourself: this too shall pass.

Everyone I spoke to said the same thing in different ways, “I just wish someone had told me this before I bought.”

That’s why I created this blog, to fill the gap between glossy estate agent ads and dry government guides. If you’re about to buy in London, or anywhere in the UK use this blog to make Smart Property Decisions.