Financial pressures are leaving homeowners caught between the rising cost of moving and the expense of improving their existing property, new research suggests.
A survey of 1,024 UK homeowners found that while almost a third (31.2%) are staying put because their current property meets their needs, others are delaying moves because of affordability concerns.
House prices were cited by 8.5% as a barrier to moving, followed by moving costs at 7.3% and 7.2% who are waiting for what they consider the right time.
Almost one in 20 (4.9%) say the stress associated with the moving process is preventing them from relocating.
RENOVATION BARRIERS
The research, commissioned by structural glazing specialist Fluid Glass and conducted by Censuswide, suggests improving rather than moving is not necessarily an easy alternative.
Almost three-quarters (72.05%) of homeowners selected at least one financial obstacle preventing or restricting renovation plans.
The overall cost of renovation, a lack of savings and rising building costs emerged as the three biggest financial barriers to carrying out improvements.
However, the findings suggest there remains substantial appetite among homeowners to adapt their properties if finances allow.
When asked what they would change if money were no object, respondents were most likely to choose upgrading or remodelling their existing home.
Creating additional living space was the next most popular ambition, followed by adding another bedroom, installing a larger kitchen and making energy-efficiency improvements.
STAYING PUT
The findings come against a more challenging backdrop for sellers, with greater choice for buyers and affordability pressures continuing to influence the housing market.
The survey suggests this is creating something of a dilemma for homeowners who have outgrown their properties or want better-quality accommodation: moving can require significant additional capital and associated costs, while major renovations present their own affordability hurdles.
The research was conducted by Censuswide between 26 and 29 June 2026 among 1,024 UK homeowners.
