Buying a home is an exciting and optimistic time but it also comes with many stresses and uncertainties. Among the biggest causes of stress for prospective homebuyers are affordability, supply, the leasehold system and Stamp Duty, new research suggests¹. 

The survey, which has tracked UK housing concerns for the past decade, found that the leasehold system is the fastest-growing cause for concern, with 42% more buyers citing this is as a key area of worry than 10 years earlier. 

Similarly, Stamp Duty rates have seen a steady rise in anxiety, from 52% a decade ago to around 64% now. The home buying and selling process itself was cited by around 60% as a key concern, up by 9% since 2015. 

Nothing can compete with affordability, which again topped the list of biggest worries. More than four in five respondents named house prices as stress-inducing, ahead of saving for a deposit (79%), housing quality (77%) and the availability of housing (75%). 

Meanwhile, issues such as the cost of living, mortgage costs, economic uncertainty and the rising cost of Stamp Duty were the most mentioned financial troubles. 

Getting on the housing ladder is no easy task. With the right support, it is possible to address any issues and take a proactive approach to dealing with them. Knowing the key challenges is already a great start – allowing you to start your homebuying journey with open eyes. 

¹HomeOwners Alliance, 2025 

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this article is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.