Vast majority of home movers find process stressful: PEXA – Mortgage Strategy

An overwhelming majority of homeowners found the buying process stressful and faced unexpected costs, according to research from PEXA.

The survey of 1,000 homeowners who have moved house in the past year found that 95% were hit with unforeseen costs and 83% described the transaction as “stressful”.

The percentage of respondents who faced unexpected costs was up from 62% in 2025.

Among those who were hit with extra costs, 64% described them as significant and 47% believed they could have been avoided.

The research also highlighted a gap between consumers’ expectations of how long a property transaction should take and how long it takes in practice.

Respondents said the process should take around four months from offer acceptance to completion, whereas in reality it commonly takes seven to eight months, according to estimates by Rightmove.

The research follows the government’s publication of its Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap, which aims to improve transparency and connectivity across the homebuying process.

PEXA UK co-chief executive Krystle Kocik says: “Buying a home should be exciting, yet too many people are left dealing with unexpected costs and a lack of visibility over what’s happening and when.

“Our research suggests that improving certainty – not just speed – should be the defining objective of the next generation of UK property transactions, and will benefit estate agents, mortgage brokers, lenders and conveyancers.

“Achieving this certainty depends not only on better information, but on ensuring trusted property data, verified identities, the secure movement of funds and the transfer of legal ownership are connected throughout the transaction.”

UK Finance director of mortgages Alison Verlander says: “This report reinforces what our mortgage lender members are already telling us: uncertainty – not speed – is the real barrier to confidence, and better upfront information, reusable verified data and clearer visibility across the transaction are what will shift that.”

Open Property Data Association chair Maria Harris says that consumers are ready for a property market built around trusted, shareable data rather than repeated requests for the same information.

She adds: “As smart data, digital identity, and trust frameworks become more widely adopted, buyers will benefit from greater certainty, fewer surprises and increased confidence throughout the home moving journey.”

Centre for Finance, Innovation & Technology director of coalitions and research Leon Ifayemi adds: “Consumers are asking for a home buying process that is more connected, transparent and trustworthy.”