House buying tops the table of ‘most stressful life experiences’ with 24% of homeowners finding it the most demanding and stressful thing they have done, according to new research from Unbiased.co.uk, the website which promotes the benefits of professional advice.

Buying a house topped the poll, ahead of starting a new job (14%), having a child (13%) and getting married (9%). House buying remained the number one stressful life experience for all ages – rising to 37% of those aged between 20 and 29, and 24% of those aged 70 or over.

Instead of getting easier with experience, moving up the property ladder appears even more stressful than entering it, with 41% of second time buyers finding buying their second home as or more stressful than their first. The fact they were part of a chain made it more stressful for 27% of second time buyers, which rose to 42% of those aged between 30 and 39.

Almost one sixth of second time buyers (16%) felt it was a bigger decision than their first purchase as it was a property for the long term. 7% of second time buyers separately sold their first house and rented before entering back into the property market, just to avoid being part of a chain.

Finding the right property was the most stressful part of the house buying process for 35% of homeowners, rising to 47% of those over 70. 20% of homeowners found moving in the most stressful, and 12% felt it was getting and arranging a mortgage.

Karen Barrett, chief executive of Unbiased.co.uk said: “Buying a house is a stressful experience. So much time and effort is invested into finding the right home it is no surprise people find it more stressful than having a baby! Buying a home is probably the most expensive decisions you will ever make and involves lots of complicated stages. But there are some simple things you can do to take at least a little of the stress out of buying a home.