New research from property website Zoopla reveals that the local pub influenced 24% of homeowners in their decision to buy their current home.
More than one-third (36%) even said they would refuse to put an offer in for a home if they deemed it too far away from the local pub. Anything over one mile would be a deal-breaker.
The research 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. This figure rises to 48%) for men.
For many, a trip to the pub is a standard part of the home-viewing process. More than a third (36%) of homeowners said they had previously visited a pub before or after a home viewing. Seventy-six per cent said this was because they believe pubs are ‘a reflection of the community’, while 49% believe it’s important to find places to socialise locally.
Not only is it a part of the process, the pub is where key decisions are made and offers are formalised. Among those who have previously visited a pub post-viewing, more than half (53%) said they decided to go ahead with the home purchase while there. Fortyfour 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 — 49% admit they’d had a few drinks when the offer went in. Meanwhile,11% said they’d had four or more.
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%).
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 benefiting the desirability — and perhaps even value — of homes close to one.”
