What makes a stress-free property move? Consumers have spoken
Moving home can be exciting, but there is a lot to manage along the way. From keeping track of paperwork to waiting for updates and wondering whether everything will complete as planned, uncertainty can quickly add pressure.
So, what would make the experience better?
Our latest research* with 350 UK buyers and sellers explored what matters most to them when it comes to their ideal home move. The results point to four clear priorities: commitment, simplicity, communication and greater certainty around completion.
Here’s what consumers told us – and some practical ways to make your next move feel more manageable.
Know the other party is committed
The biggest priority was knowing that the person on the other side of the transaction is fully committed to the sale. An overwhelming 97% of consumers said this was important to their ideal moving experience.
It is easy to understand why. A property transaction involves time, money and often plans for an onward move, so the possibility of a buyer or seller changing their mind can create a lot of uncertainty.
How can you create more confidence?
If you are selling, be open with your Estate Agent about your circumstances and timescales from the start. If you are buying, make sure your finances are organised as early as possible and respond promptly when information is requested.
It is also worth asking your Estate Agent about the different methods of sale available to you. Some offer more structure and commitment than others, so the right choice will depend on your circumstances and priorities.
For example, the Modern Method of Auction (MMoA) gives buyers a fixed period to complete once a sale is agreed, helping create clearer expectations around the transaction.
Keep the process simple
Property transactions can involve Estate Agents, Conveyancers, mortgage providers, surveyors and other parties, so it is no surprise that simplicity matters.
In the latest research, 93% of consumers said a simple, easy-to-understand process was important to their ideal move.
That does not mean every transaction will be completely straightforward, but understanding what is happening – and what you need to do next – can make a big difference.
How can you keep things simpler?
Ask questions whenever something is unclear. Property terminology can sometimes make an already unfamiliar process feel more complicated than it needs to be, so do not be afraid to ask your Estate Agent or Conveyancer to explain what something means.
Getting organised early can also help. Keep important documents together, complete forms promptly and make sure the professionals involved have the information they need.
Preparing more upfront can help reduce the number of issues that need resolving later.
Make communication a priority
Good communication is not just helpful – consumers see it as a fundamental part of a better moving experience.
According to the July 2026 research, 91% said better communication between everyone involved was important.
A lack of updates can make even a progressing transaction feel as though nothing is happening, particularly when several different parties are involved.
How can you stay better informed?
At the beginning of the process, find out:
- who your main point of contact is
- how regularly you can expect updates
- how you will be contacted
- who to speak to if something changes or you have a question
It is also worth keeping your own lines of communication open. Responding promptly to calls, emails and requests for information can help keep things moving.
If you are unsure about progress, ask. A clear update can often remove a lot of unnecessary worry.
Look for greater certainty around completion
One of the hardest parts of moving home can be not knowing exactly when it will happen.
In the latest research, 91% of consumers said having more certainty over when a sale will complete was important. That sits alongside 88% who wanted a faster process and 90% who said feeling less stressed and worried was important.
Of course, not every delay can be predicted or avoided. Property chains, mortgage applications, legal enquiries and searches can all affect timings.
But there are ways to create more structure.
How can you reduce uncertainty?
Speak to your Estate Agent about your ideal timescale at the outset and make sure it is realistic for your circumstances.
You can also ask what can be prepared earlier. Having key information and documents ready sooner can help identify potential issues before they become delays.
And if completion certainty is particularly important – perhaps because you are relocating, dealing with probate or working towards a specific date – explore the different methods of sale available. MMoA, for example, works towards a 56-day completion period for standard properties from receipt of draft contracts, giving both parties a clearer timeframe from the outset.
A less stressful move starts with the right questions
There is no single way to remove every source of stress from buying or selling a property. Every move is different.
What matters most is having confidence in the process.
Before you begin your next move, speak to your Estate Agent about your priorities. Ask how the process will work, what you can prepare upfront and which method of sale is best suited to your circumstances.
The more clarity you have from the beginning, the easier it can be to approach your move with confidence.
*Independent consumer perception survey commissioned by iamproperty in July 2026