Climate change has become a decisive factor in UK property transactions, with new research showing that almost all professionals now see it influencing buyer decisions.

A survey of 150 estate agents, lenders and conveyancers by Landmark Information Group found that 99% reported their clients were worried about the impact of climate change when buying a home, up sharply from 72% in 2024.

For the first time, heat stress and energy performance have overtaken flooding as the main areas of concern. Some 65% of respondents said buyers were focused on energy efficiency, while 62% cited heat stress. Just over half pointed to flooding, traditionally the dominant risk.

The findings reflect a change in priorities after a year in which the UK experienced its fourth warmest on record, with the past three years all ranked in the top five.

TANGIBLE EFFECTS

The consequences are already visible in the market. Conveyancers warned that negative climate risk reports can halt transactions, with 38% citing buyers pulling out, 24% fearing an inability to secure a mortgage and 20% concerned about future insurance cover.

The survey also pointed to growing support for earlier disclosure of environmental risk. More than half of respondents (51%) now believe climate risk should be reported upfront by estate agents, ahead of conveyancing or mortgage checks. That figure is up from 45% last year.

But there remains uncertainty over who should take ultimate responsibility for guiding buyers. While most favour environmental specialists, many also see a role for agents, conveyancers and surveyors, either individually or in collaboration.

Chris Loaring, group sustainability director at Landmark Information Group, said: “Our latest research shows climate change has moved firmly into the mainstream of homebuying concerns.

“An overwhelming 99% of property professionals report their clients are worried about its impact – a jump of 27 percentage points in just a year. This shift is no longer hypothetical; we’re seeing real consequences in the market, from stalled transactions to challenges securing mortgages or insurance.

“Conveyancers, who are closest to the purchase process, are detecting the highest levels of concern, with two-thirds of their clients highly engaged on the issue.

“It’s clear that climate resilience is now a defining factor in property decisions, and the industry must be ready to respond.”