Property

Homeowners increasingly take fixtures and fittings, leaving new buyers frustrated and concerned

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 12:05AM UTC

A growing number of new homeowners are discovering missing light bulbs, toilet seats and door handles as former occupants remove fixtures, highlighting communication gaps in the moving process and raising safety concerns.

A recent survey by estate agent Purplebricks has shed light on an unusual trend amongst homeowners: the quirky habit of taking light bulbs, toilet seats, and even door handles from their old properties when moving. The survey revealed that about one in five new homeowners reported the absence of light bulbs in their newly acquired properties, while 9% found that toilet seats had been spirited away by former occupants. Such tendencies might seem trivial, yet they highlight a broader issue regarding move-in expectations and communication during the house buying process.

The findings resonate with a 2023 survey by Saga Legal Solutions, which noted that nearly a quarter of homeowners in Watford not only took light bulbs but also removed carpets, plants, door handles, and other fixtures. Similarly, previous studies, including one from Halifax Estate Agency, observed a significant number of movers digging up cherished plants or taking essential items like light fittings and even kitchen sinks. This pattern underscores an apparent ambiguity among homeowners regarding what can be appropriately removed from a property.

The trend is not just confined to the aforementioned items. A striking 40% of home buyers reported discovering that light bulbs had been removed, with some even encountering electrical hazards due to missing fittings, as revealed in research by HouseWeb.com. Such incidents can lead to not only inconvenience but also safety concerns for incoming residents. Moreover, anecdotal evidence from platforms like Digital Spy reflects the frustration of many who feel a sense of pettiness from their predecessors when encountering stripped-down homes.

Industry experts urge clearer communication to mitigate issues that can arise during moving. Toby Leek, the president of the National Association of Estate Agents, emphasised that ensuring detailed documentation regarding what is included in the sale is vital. He stated that both sellers and buyers must cooperate to avoid misunderstandings that could dampen the excitement of moving into a new home. This communication needs to encompass all parties—from buyers and sellers to surveyors and conveyancers—to facilitate a smooth transfer of property.

Interestingly, while many movers find themselves faced with missing fixtures, they also encounter unwanted surprises left by previous owners. About one in six respondents reported discovering items like rubbish or outdated food alongside pleasant surprises such as welcome notes or gifts left behind. This stark juxtaposition of positive and negative experiences further complicates the emotional landscape of moving, where nostalgia and frustration might collide.

Ultimately, while taking small items may appear harmless or even trivial, it highlights deeper issues within the moving process. The trend serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and thorough planning when changing residences, making the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Homeownership is undeniably laden with sentimental value, but as new occupants settle into their homes, the need for clarity about what remains or is taken becomes an essential aspect of the moving experience.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.independent.co.uk/money/inconvenience-home-movers-taking-toilet-seats-and-light-bulbs-to-new-property-b2749242.html - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/11121692.moving-house-dont-forget-to-pack-all-the-light-bulbs/ - A survey by Saga Legal Solutions found that nearly a quarter of Watford homeowners take light bulbs when moving. Other items commonly removed include carpets, light switches, plants, toilet seats, door handles, and even the kitchen sink. The study highlights the tendency of homeowners to take fixtures and fittings when relocating.
https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/news/2006/05/02/movers-remove/ - A Halifax Estate Agency survey revealed that over a quarter of house movers dig up their favorite plants, and more than one in ten take light fittings. Additionally, 8% remove light bulbs, and 8% take toilet roll holders and towel rails. The survey underscores the lack of clarity among movers regarding the removal of items integral to a property.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/jul/06/11 - Research by HouseWeb.com found that 40% of home buyers discover that previous owners have removed light bulbs, and 23% find that light fittings and fixtures have been taken, potentially exposing them to electric shocks. The study also mentions instances of door knobs being taken and gardens being dug up by sellers.
https://www.lifestyledaily.co.uk/article/2021/03/22/removal-teams-reveal-most-misplaced-items-during-house-move - An Admiral survey found that 39% of homeowners moved into a new home to find that items they expected to be there had been taken by the previous owner. Light bulbs and light fixtures (21%) were the most common items removed, followed by curtains and blinds (10%), bathroom fixtures (7%), and instruction manuals for appliances (7%).
https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/371504/moving-house-how-petty - A discussion on Digital Spy forums highlights instances where previous homeowners took fixtures and fittings when moving. Examples include taking light bulbs, door numbers, and even pieces of carpet. The forum members express surprise and frustration over such actions, emphasizing the pettiness of removing items that were part of the property.
https://www.theindependent.co.uk/money/homeowners-face-average-bill-of-nearly-ps4-000-to-fix-issues-after-moving-b2699445.html - A survey indicates that 40% of homeowners fail to factor in the full cost of their move, spending nearly £4,000 on unexpected expenses on average. These unforeseen costs include issues such as boiler breakdowns, leaking roofs, and other problems that arise soon after moving into a new home.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative references recent surveys and does not appear to reuse content from older articles. The lack of specific dates for all studies mentioned prevents a perfect score.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: The quote from Toby Leek is specific but lacks a clear original source or date. This reduces the score slightly, as it is unclear if it is the first use of this quote or if it has been previously used.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable publication. However, some referenced studies are not directly linked to their original sources, which slightly reduces the reliability score.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims about homeowners taking certain items are plausible and align with previous studies. The narrative presents a common issue in the moving process, making it highly plausible.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative appears fresh and relevant, with a reliable source and plausible claims. The lack of specific original sources for quotes and studies slightly reduces confidence but does not detract from the overall assessment.

property
homeowners
moving house