Scots would rather know their neighbours than grab a bargain when buying property
![Parking is an important consideration for Scots looking to buy a new home.](https://www.glasgowworld.com/webimg/legacy_elm_54427155.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Parking is an important consideration for Scots looking to buy a new home.](/img/placeholder.png)
Wood flooring specialists Flooring Republic asked 250 Scots what led them to fall in love with their homes, and which factors they consider non-negotiable when buying a property - and between community appeal and room size, it seems Scots are swayed by more than an attractive price tag.
After the BBC reported that the number of first-time buyers was at its highest in a decade, this new study reveals what it takes to get Scots excited about buying a house.
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Hide AdWith 71% of the vote, a safe and friendly neighbourhood took the top spot, followed by the price of the property (43%).
![Natural light is a key factor.](https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/webimg/legacy_elm_54427154.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Natural light is a key factor.](/img/placeholder.png)
In terms of what Scots love about their living space, room size came out on top - taking 46% of the vote.
At one with nature
For 33% of participants, a good-looking garden is what got them to sign on the dotted line - with a third of Scots saying some outdoor space is a must.
Natural elements proved popular across the board, with a quarter of those surveyed saying natural light is what they love most about their home.
![High ceilings are an attraction for many.](https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/webimg/legacy_elm_54427153.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![High ceilings are an attraction for many.](/img/placeholder.png)
Price versus parking
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Hide AdPerhaps surprisingly, less than half of all respondents believe the price of a property is the most important aspect when it comes to making an offer.
According to 43% of all respondents, parking availability is a key issue when it comes to deciding on a suitable property - with almost of half of Scots citing this as a non-negotiable when it comes to buying a house.
Aesthetic appeal
![Natural light is a key factor.](https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/webimg/legacy_elm_54427154.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![Natural light is a key factor.](/img/placeholder.png)
In terms of a property’s appearance, it looks like it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts - with 17% of Scots saying they’re swayed by both exterior appeal and interior styling.
Victorian buildings have plenty of appeal for some Scots, with 13% of participants revealing they bought their home because of high ceilings.
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Hide AdSpace proved a key concern for 38% of those surveyed, who said the number of rooms in a property would influence whether or not they bought it.
![High ceilings are an attraction for many.](https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/webimg/legacy_elm_54427153.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65)
![High ceilings are an attraction for many.](/img/placeholder.png)
For 14% of homeowners, accessibility is a deal-breaker - with proximity to local transport networks and amenities proving particularly important.
Organisation addicts across Scotland declared practicality a priority when buying a house - with storage space scooping 14% of the vote.
What do you consider to be the key factors when buying a house?
Neighbourhood: 71.4%
Price: 42.9%
Parking: 42.9%
Space: 38.1%
Accessibility: 14.3%
Storage: 14.2%
What made you fall in love with your home?
Size of the rooms: 45.8%
Garden: 33.3%
Natural light: 25.0%
Exterior appearance: 16.9%
Interior style: 16.7%
High ceilings: 12.5%