New research from the Open Property Data Association (OPDA) reveals that Londoners are bucking expectations with a smoother moving experience than anywhere else in the UK - despite the capital’s high-pressure reputation.
London respondents rated their moving experience at 7.47 out of 10 for being stress-free, higher than the UK average of 7.3. In contrast, East Anglians scored their experience as 6.9.
Fall-throughs and first-time buyers
One factor behind this could be London’s comparatively lower rate of failed property transactions. Just 52% of Londoners said they had experienced a property purchase falling through, compared to a UK average of 58% – and significantly higher rates elsewhere, including 65% in the South West and 77% in Northern Ireland.
London also stands out for having the highest proportion of first-time buyers, at 32.3%, compared to a UK average of 30%. This influx of new buyers may be contributing to a more active and fluid property market, with stronger momentum and fewer stalled transactions.
Phil Spencer, TV property expert and founder of Move iQ, said: “On the surface, it seems surprising that Londoners report a less stressful moving experience given the pace and pressure of the capital. But when you look a little closer, it starts to make sense. London’s property market is highly active, and with more transactions happening, the systems and professionals involved are often more experienced and better equipped to keep things moving.
“Another key factor is certainty. Stock levels in the capital are high, and prices are flat or softening. With fewer sales falling through than in other parts of the country, there’s less of the stop-start disruption that causes so much anxiety for buyers and sellers. That momentum can make a huge difference to how people experience the process overall.”
Regional differences, same frustrations
The findings are published in the OPDA’s annual Future of Homebuying report, one of the largest studies of home moving trends and experiences.
The study of more than 5,000 recent home movers found:
- Home movers in the South West are most likely to be downsizing
- People in Wales are more likely to move due to a relationship change
- Home movers in the North East are most likely to be moving closer to family
- Upsizing is the most common reason for moving in Scotland and the East Midlands
While the report found significant regional variation in how people experience moving home, it also highlighted common frustrations with the home moving process, including long delays, poor communication, duplicate requests for information and manual processes.
Nearly four in five respondents (78%) agreed the home moving experience needs fundamental reform.
Maria Harris, Chair of the Open Property Data Association, said: “Buying or selling a home remains one of the most significant financial and emotional commitments that most of us will ever make. It should be a milestone that supports our goals and life events, yet too often the experience falls short of expectations.
What this research clearly shows is that while experiences can vary by region, the underlying challenges are consistent across the UK. Too many consumers are still dealing with poor communication, repeated requests for information and delays that make the process feel unnecessarily complex and frustrating.
“Encouragingly, there is clear appetite for change. People want a system that reflects how we live today — one that is faster, more transparent and better connected. The findings reinforce the urgent need for reform, and the growing role that better use of property data can play in improving the experience. By transforming how information is shared, we have a real opportunity to make homebuying more efficient, more certain and far less stressful for everyone involved.”
The OPDA is building the framework and standards that will transform the housing market, working in collaboration with lenders, brokers, conveyancers, estate agents, technology and proptech firms, as well as Government bodies.
