Almost every recent UK homebuyer encountered unexpected costs during their property transaction, according to research from digital completions business PEXA.
Its survey of more than 1,000 people who bought a home during the previous 12 months finds that 95% faced unanticipated costs, up from 62% in 2025.
Almost two-thirds of those affected describe the additional expense as significant, while 47% believe it could have been avoided.
The findings suggest uncertainty and poor visibility, rather than headline professional fees alone, are becoming the principal sources of frustration for movers.
FEES CLEAR BUT PROCESS UNCERTAIN
Despite the prevalence of unexpected costs, 85% of respondents consider conveyancer fees transparent and 79% say the same of estate agent charges.
Mortgage broker fees are viewed as transparent by 69%.
PEXA argues that the apparent contradiction indicates costs are emerging incrementally as transactions progress, rather than being deliberately concealed at the beginning.
Some 83% of consumers describe the home-moving process as stressful.
Respondents believe the period from offer acceptance to moving in should take approximately four months. However, PEXA cites wider market evidence showing the complete home-moving journey can take seven to eight months.
Fragmented processes, duplicated checks and disconnected organisations are identified as contributing factors.
The research follows publication of the Government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap, which seeks to improve transparency, information sharing and connectivity across property transactions.
CERTAINTY MUST BECOME THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Krystle Kocik, UK Co-CEO of PEXA, 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.
“As government and industry work together to modernise the process, we see a significant opportunity to remove surprises and give consumers more confidence in what is likely the biggest financial commitment of their lives.”
UPFRONT INFORMATION CAN REBUILD CONFIDENCE
Alison Verlander, Director of Mortgages at UK Finance, 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.
“UK Finance is working with government, regulators and industry to ensure this momentum translates into a genuinely more connected homebuying experience, and this report is a helpful contribution to the discussion.”
LEGAL EXPERTISE MUST COMBINE WITH DIGITAL PROCESSES
Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, says: “Conveyancers are central to helping people navigate one of life’s most important decisions, ensuring that the property they are buying is right for them and that there are no hidden problems.
“This research shows consumers continue to value professional expertise, while also expecting clearer communication, greater transparency and a more predictable experience.
“A modern conveyancing profession will combine legal expertise with efficient digital processes to deliver better outcomes for consumers.”
SHAREABLE DATA COULD REDUCE REPEATED CHECKS
Maria Harris, chair of the Open Property Data Association, says: “This research reinforces that consumers are ready for a property market built around trusted, shareable data rather than repeated requests for the same information.
“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.”
DIGITAL REFORM MUST DELIVER PRACTICAL RESULTS
And Leon Ifayemi, director of coalitions and research at the Centre for Finance, Innovation & Technology, says: “Consumers are asking for a home buying process that is more connected, transparent and trustworthy.
Government, regulators and industry are working together to enable trusted information to move safely between organisations, reducing friction while improving consumer outcomes.
“Success will be measured not simply by how digital the process becomes, but by how much certainty, confidence and efficiency it delivers for everyone involved.”
The report can be downloaded HERE.
