Almost all recent UK homebuyers encountered unexpected costs during their move, research from property completions business PEXA has found.
A survey of more than 1,000 people who had bought a home in the previous 12 months found that 95% experienced unforeseen costs, up from 62% in 2025.
Almost two-thirds, or 64%, of those affected described the additional costs as significant, while 47% believed they could have been avoided.
The research suggests uncertainty and limited visibility have become central sources of strain in the moving process. Some 83% of respondents said moving home was stressful.
TRANSACTION TIMES
Consumers believed the period between acceptance of an offer and moving into a property should be about four months. However, wider market data suggests the full home-moving process frequently lasts seven to eight months.
PEXA attributed delays to fragmented processes, repeated checks and organisations operating through disconnected systems.
Respondents were generally confident that professional fees had been disclosed clearly. Conveyancer fees were considered transparent by 85%, compared with 79% for estate agent charges and 69% for mortgage broker fees.
The findings suggest that additional costs arise incrementally during transactions rather than through a lack of clarity over the principal professional fees.
The research follows the publication of the government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform Roadmap, which sets out plans intended to improve the transparency and coordination of property transactions.
Krystle Kocik, UK co-chief executive of PEXA, said: “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.”
Alison Verlander, director of mortgages at UK Finance, said: “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.”
Stephen Ward, director of strategy and external relations at the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, said: “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.”
