Almost a third of homeowners are delaying plans to move because they feel their properties need improvements before going to market, according to new research from We Buy Any Home.
The survey found that 32% of respondents had chosen to postpone a move due to concerns their home would not sell, or achieve their desired price, in its current condition.
The findings suggest many sellers are prioritising presentation over speed, even as property market conditions remain uncertain.
The trend was most pronounced among homeowners aged 35 to 44, who were the group most likely to cite the need for upgrades as the main reason for holding off on selling.
TARGET PRICE
Other common factors behind delays included fears about not achieving a target price (42%), waiting to see if the market improves (33%) and a perception that moving was “too much hassle” (24%).
When asked about planned improvements over the next five years, 41% said they were considering kitchen or bathroom upgrades, while garden improvements and landscaping ranked second. Seventeen per cent were planning to install solar panels, one in ten said they hoped to build an extension, and nine per cent were considering a loft or basement conversion.
Elliot Castle (main picture, inset), Chief Executive of We Buy Any Home, says many sellers were holding back because they believed their homes needed to be “perfect” before listing.
COST AND STRESS
He adds: “Our survey has found a significant number of people are holding off on moving because they think their home needs to be perfect.
“From outdated kitchens to tired exteriors, many sellers feel compelled to renovate before taking the leap, which often comes at significant cost and stress.”
Castle says the findings reflected a broader mood of caution, particularly ahead of the autumn Budget and amid fluctuating mortgage rates.
“Autumn is traditionally busy for the property market but concerns over changes in the upcoming Budget, mortgage rates and the cost of living in general are understandably making people wary,” he adds.
