Examining the impact of website layout and dark triad approach on real estate purchase decisions in India: a young adult socialization mediated model

Purpose - This study aims to determine website quality, young adult socialization and dark triad personality as the factors influencing the real estate purchase decision. In addition, this study also measures the mediating effects of young adult socialization on real estate purchase buying behavior. Design/methodology/approach - Related literature, quantifiable variables with a five-point Likert scale, hypothesis testing and mediators are used to study the model. A systematic questionnaire that was divided into four sections was used. A total of 336 valid responses were collected and analyzed through a structural equation model. Findings - The results suggest that dark triad personality and young adult socialization considerably affect real estate purchase decisions. The development proves website quality does not significantly impact real estate purchase behavior. Research limitations/implications - This study is limited to a few young consumers’ responses. Future studies could be more widespread globally and should include more variables and offline methods of purchasing behavior. Originality/value - As per the review of existing literature, this research is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to determine the factors affecting the real estate purchase decision with factors like website quality, dark triad personalities and young adult socialization involving it.