How do pubs influence property viewings? – London Wallet

More than a third of Brits (36%) would not put in an offer for a home if it was too far away from a pub, with 0.7 miles (around a 13-minute walk), the ideal distance. On average, over one mile would be a dealbreaker.

The research, carried out by Zoopla, shines a light on the important role pubs play in the lives of the British public and their home-buying decisions.

The importance of a good pub is clear with more than four in ten (42%) believing the quality of the local pub is important when buying a home, a figure which rises to half (48%) for men.

For many, a trip to the pub is a standard part of the home-viewing process. Over a third (36 per cent) of homeowners said they have previously visited a pub before or after a home viewing.

And amongst this group, three-quarters (76%) said it is because they believe pubs are ‘a reflection of the community’ while 49 per cent believe it’s important to find places to socialise locally.

Almost half of homeowners made an offer at their future local pub

Not only is it a part of the process, the pub is where key decisions are made and offers are formalised, the study found.

Amongst those who have previously visited a pub post-viewing, over half (53%) said they decided to go ahead with the home purchase while there. Forty four per cent went further and actually put in an official offer while at their soon-to-be local. This equates to a fifth of all homeowners (18%) having previously put in an offer for a home from the pub.

Many are likely to have been slightly tipsy at the time; half (49%) admit they’d had a few drinks when the offer went in, having consumed on average 2.1 beverages. Meanwhile more than one in ten (11%) said they’d had four or more.

It can also have a bearing on final home decisions, a quarter of all homeowners (24%) said that the local pub actually ‘influenced’ their decision to buy their current home. Somewhat surprisingly, given fewer younger adults drink alcohol than ever before, Gen Z homeowners were more likely to admit that the local pub played a role in the home they purchased (53%).

Source: Zoopla 

Dan Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “The research shows what a surprisingly strong role the local pub plays in the home-buying process – whether that’s to get a feel for the local community, discuss if you want to put an offer in, or even a as decisive factor in going ahead with a purchase.

“With estimates suggesting pubs are closing at a rate of 50 a month, the number of homes close to pubs is set to continue to decrease – potentially benefitting the desirability, and perhaps even value, of homes close to one.

“We want to help would-be buyers make the most informed decision they can when it comes to buying a home. With our Area Guides, homehunters can get a feel for the local area and all of the amenities available on their new potential doorsteps.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of British Beer and Pub Association, commented: “A good local [pub] offers so much more than just a quality pint; they can boost house prices and are also a sign of real social value in their communities.

“It’s also a place to meet new neighbours and friends, catch up on all the local news, and tuck into some delicious pub grub when you can’t face the washing up.

“Pubs are vital to the lifeblood of our communities and the last thing any new mover wants to see is their local close their doors.

“We and our Long Live The Local campaign stand ready to help the Government deliver the full support that’s needed for our beloved locals to keep thriving and remaining at the heart of communities.”