August 2026
New research released today by Story Homes has revealed the deeply mixed attitudes UK residents hold towards moving home – with most viewing it as a positive life moment, yet significant emotional and financial barriers preventing many from taking the leap.
The study, released by the housebuilder, surveyed 2,002 nationally representative UK residents and found that nearly three quarters (74%) agree that moving home feels like the start of a new chapter – with almost a third (30%) ‘strongly’ agreeing. Yet despite this optimism, the emotional reality of moving tells a more complex story, with 42% saying the idea of moving makes them feel stressed, 35% anxious and 27% overwhelmed.
The research also found that attitudes towards what makes a home worth moving for have evolved significantly. Two thirds (66%) agree that flexible rooms that can adapt to changing needs are important when choosing a home, reflecting a shift towards spaces that can serve multiple purposes as lifestyles change. A similar proportion (66%) say that low maintenance living is a key reason they would consider moving, while almost two thirds (63%) say that feeling proud of their home matters more than its size.
When it comes to what holds people back, financial concerns remain the single biggest barrier, cited by 41% of respondents – nearly 10 percentage points higher than any other factor. Almost a third (32%) say they feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the moving process itself, while more than a quarter (27%) cite emotional attachment to their current home as a significant obstacle.
Uncertainty about the future is also a significant factor, with around one in five citing concerns about the housing market (21%), their future needs (21%), and whether moving will actually improve their daily life (24%).
When asked about their biggest worries when moving into a new home, nearly four in ten (39%) said they fear unexpected maintenance or repair issues, while a third (33%) are concerned about poor insulation or high energy bills. A quarter (25%) have general concerns about the quality of their new home, with a similar proportion worried about not knowing what their bills will cost.
Hayley Blair, Operations Director at Story Homes, said: “The data paints a really mixed picture; people genuinely want to move, they see it as a fresh start and a chance to find a home that fits their life better. But legitimate fears around complexity and quality are getting in the way.
Hayley added: “At Story Homes, we want to address the real concerns that keep people stuck in homes that no longer serve their needs. We’ve designed our entire process around reducing anxiety and providing certainty – including a range of purchasing schemes designed to take the pressure off, quality guarantees and high-quality, energy-efficient homes that won’t cost the earth to run. With the right support and assurances around quality, the gap between positive attitudes towards moving and the decision to actually do so can be bridged.”
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,002 Nationally Representative UK Respondents. The data was collected between 15/01/2026 – 19/01/2026. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
