WHEN it comes to house buying there are often conflicting views regarding which partner is the most influential.

William Peppitt, of FPDSavills in Cranbrook, said: "After potential purchasers have viewed a house we always telephone them to gauge their views on that particular property, partly for our own information and partly so we can report back to our clients.

"If the husband has viewed first and indicates that he likes the house and wishes to put in an offer but his wife is yet to look around, we know we are only 25 per cent of the way towards receiving an offer, however keen he is.

"If, however, it is the wife who views first and she indicates she is keen to buy and will bring her husband back, we know that we are close to clinching a sale as experience tells us that there is no doubt who is the major influence on deciding when to buy a house."

There are aspects of house-hunting on which partners tend to concur. The old adage of the importance of position, position, position still remains largely true as both husband and wife usually agree on the location, even though they may have different priorities. Women may well wish to be nearer shops, communities or school runs, for example, while men are more concerned about how easily they can get to work and how close the station is.

Couples also tend to agree on the immediate situation in that they may want to be in a town perhaps with near neighbours or in a secluded country position. Recreationally, they also often have similar views, for example they may wish to be near the coast, cultural opportunities or leisure facilities. The desired number of reception rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms is usually decided automatically.

It is what the property actually has to offer where conflict can arise. Mr Peppitt added: "The wife as a rule is influenced principally by the kitchen and also by bathrooms or other rooms which may be more significant when running a house day after day.

"The man, on the other hand, is usually keen on aspects such as a study or a cellar and outside he is often more keen on outbuildings, ponds and woodland and not nearly so concerned about the practical aspects of the house."