Two-Thirds of Homebuyers Put Off Moving Again as Delays Increase

Why It Matters

Reduced mobility among a large share of homeowners could tighten UK housing supply, pressuring prices and limiting options for first‑time buyers. The findings underscore the need for systemic reforms to streamline property transactions.

Key Takeaways

• 66% of recent movers hesitant to repeat purchase process
• Among 35‑44 year olds, reluctance rises to 73%
• Average transaction time now 135 days, up from 93 in 2019
• 34% report family‑plan disruptions; 31% say career moves suffer
• Fewer second‑steppers may tighten supply for first‑time buyers

Pulse Analysis

The Open Property Data Association’s latest survey paints a stark picture of the UK housing market’s friction points. Transaction timelines have ballooned by roughly 45% since 2019, pushing the average closing period to 135 days. This slowdown inflates costs for buyers and sellers, amplifies the risk of deal fall‑throughs, and erodes confidence in the market’s efficiency. As delays mount, the administrative burden—multiple information requests and poor communication—has become a decisive factor deterring homeowners from re‑entering the market.

Beyond individual inconvenience, the data signals a broader supply‑side challenge. Second‑steppers, typically aged 35‑44, represent a critical source of turnover that fuels new listings for first‑time buyers. With 73% of this cohort now reluctant to move, the pipeline of available homes could dry up, tightening inventory and potentially driving up prices in already strained regions. The ripple effect extends to labor mobility, as 31% of respondents admit career moves are hampered, underscoring how housing fluidity intertwines with broader economic dynamism.

Industry leaders and policymakers are pointing to digital transformation as a remedy. Implementing smart‑data platforms, standardising documentation, and automating verification steps could shave weeks off the transaction cycle, reducing friction and restoring confidence. Such reforms would not only accelerate sales but also improve transparency, lowering the incidence of fall‑throughs and making the market more accessible to first‑time buyers. As the UK grapples with a housing shortage, embracing technology‑driven solutions may be the most pragmatic path to revitalising mobility and stabilising supply.