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A growing number of UK homeowners are being compelled to put their homes up for sale, driven by a combination of rising living costs, regulatory shifts, and personal hardships.
According to new data released by Open Property Group, a trusted name in professional home buying, the people behind the “For Sale” signs are facing increasingly complex challenges. Their internal analysis sheds light on the motivations and demographics driving property transactions across England.
As the housing market adapts to a shifting financial and legal environment, these insights reveal a striking pattern—landlords and homeowners under pressure are seeking fast and flexible selling solutions.
Managing Director Jason Harris-Cohen noted:
“The company receives an average of 300 property leads per week, with a notable shift in seller motivations and property conditions over the last few years.”
The key takeaways include:
Owner-occupiers make up 60–70% of sellers, while 30–40% are landlords, many of whom are exiting due to tax hikes and tighter regulations.
The majority of sellers are aged between 45 and 65. Many are downsizing, retiring, or selling due to divorce or serious financial problems.
Properties are typically sold for £150,000 to £250,000, often because they’re in less expensive areas or require substantial renovation.
30% of listed homes are in poor or unliveable condition, often a result of financial hardship or tenant-related difficulties.
Homeowners usually sell after 8 to 15 years, while landlords often sell earlier due to increasing market pressures.
Between 50–65% of sellers still hold mortgages, which adds to the urgency of their need to sell.
Harris-Cohen added:
“We’re seeing a high percentage of sellers who are reacting to a combination of personal and market-driven challenges. The majority of enquiries are from individuals in financially stressful situations or landlords impacted by rising interest rates and changing legislation.”
While 80% of prospects ultimately decide not to sell—typically due to pricing concerns or shifting personal factors—Open Property Group completed 170 sales over the last year, and more than 400 within the past three. The numbers point to a continued demand for fast, dependable sale options.
On average, sales are concluded within 21 days, which provides essential stability and relief for people navigating difficult periods in their lives.
With a reported average seller income of £25,000–£35,000 and a fairly balanced gender split of 55% male to 45% female, the report offers a grounded perspective on the realities of property selling in today’s UK. These findings underline the growing relevance of alternative sales channels in a highly pressured housing market.
For additional information, please visit the Open Property Group website.