Then & Now: How Buying a Home Has Changed in 50 Years

At Edwards & Gray we’re always intrigued by how much the property market has evolved over the years, so when we stumbled across a property listing from over 50 years ago, we couldn’t help but take a closer look. It’s fascinating to see just how much our industry has evolved over the last five decades!

Buying & Selling – Then vs Now 📅

Looking at this old listing, it’s clear that buying and selling a home around the 70’s must have been a much harder process. There was no internet, no instant property alerts and no easy way to browse homes from your sofa! Buyers had to rely on newspaper adverts, word of mouth or physically visiting estate agents’ offices to see what was available.

And selling? That must have been a challenge too. Without the online reach we have today, finding buyers took longer and sellers had fewer ways to showcase their homes.

However, it’s clear that buyers back then were highly motivated, with the process being so much more time-consuming, prospective buyers had to be serious to invest the effort. Today, with property portals making it easier than ever to browse, many people now look at homes simply out of curiosity rather than necessity.

Are We Losing the Personal Touch? 🤝🏻

There’s no doubt that modern technology has revolutionised the property market, making buying and selling more efficient and widely accessible, but has it come at the cost of personal service? In the past, estate agents were more than just intermediaries, they were key figures in the process, personally guiding buyers to their perfect home and offering tailored advice. These face-to-face interactions created relationships that were built on trust and understanding.

At Edwards & Gray, we believe in maintaining that personal touch. Whilst we embrace the digital tools that make property transactions more accessible, we also prioritise genuine human connections. Buying a home is about more than just clicking ‘Book a Viewing’ online. We take the time to understand our clients’ needs, offering personalised support and expert guidance every step of the way. Our extensive database of motivated buyers is not just a list – we pick up the phone, reach out personally and make sure the right people are matched with the right homes. This is complemented by our active presence on social media, where we share property updates and ‘Coming Soon’ listings to engage with our local community. We ensure that every client, whether buying or selling, receives the attention and care they deserve.

Where Are the Photos?!📸

One of the biggest differences in this listing compared to ours today is the absence of photos! In today’s market we know that buyers often make decisions based on visuals alone. High-quality images and video tours have become essential for capturing interest and securing viewings. That’s why we work with our fantastic photographer, Emil, to make sure our listings look their absolute best. We understand how important presentation is, which is why our sellers are given the opportunity to sign off on their listings before they go live. This ensures that they are completely satisfied with how their home is being presented to potential buyers.

The Price Tag 🏷️

And, of course, we have to mention the price! This property from the 50’s was listed at a fraction of what similar homes cost today. Out of curiosity, we looked up the value of what this property would be worth today – and it’s now close to half a million pounds! It’s incredible to see just how much the market has changed over time.

Looking back at this old advert has been a real eye-opener and whilst the industry has moved on in so many ways, some things remain the same. The importance of finding the right home, the excitement of moving and the value of having the right agent by your side.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, get in touch with Edwards & Gray. We embrace all the latest technology and digital tools to make the process easier, but we remain committed to the traditional values of personal service and expert advice. We’re here to help, just like estate agents were 50 years ago – with all the benefits of modern innovation (and much better photos!) 📸🏡✨