Across the UK, homeowners are facing mounting pressure to sell their properties as financial hardship, regulatory changes, and personal upheavals reshape the housing market.
New figures from Open Property Group, a leading professional home buyer, reveal the shifting motivations behind property sales nationwide. Their latest internal data uncovers why increasing numbers of individuals are choosing to sell—and who they are.
In the current climate of economic uncertainty and tightened property laws, the research offers a telling look at how homeowners and landlords are adapting. The findings highlight a concerning trend among those experiencing personal challenges and financial insecurity.
Open Property Group Managing Director Jason Harris-Cohen explained:
“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.”
Key statistics reveal:
- Around 60–70% of sellers are live-in homeowners, with the remaining 30–40% being landlords, many of whom are exiting the rental market due to tax burdens and stricter legislation.
- Sellers are typically aged between 45 and 65, with a high proportion downsizing, retiring, or responding to personal circumstances such as divorce or debt.
- Most properties are valued between £150,000 and £250,000 and are frequently located in areas with lower market value or in need of repair.
- Approximately 30% of homes are in substandard condition, often due to unaffordable maintenance costs or long-standing tenant issues.
- Homeowners tend to sell after 8–15 years of ownership, though landlords are being forced to offload properties sooner due to cost pressures.
- Between 50–65% of sellers still owe money on their mortgage, making the decision to sell even more urgent.
Reflecting on the data, 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.”
The study also shows that around 80% of potential sellers eventually withdraw—most often due to dissatisfaction with offers or unexpected changes in their personal situation. Nonetheless, Open Property Group has completed 170 sales over the past year, and more than 400 in the past three, highlighting the continued appeal of their fast-sale model.
Many of these transactions are completed within just 21 days—providing crucial support for homeowners in distress by offering speed and certainty.
With average seller incomes ranging from £25,000 to £35,000 and a seller profile that skews 55% male and 45% female, the findings offer a realistic overview of who is currently selling—and why alternative sale methods remain in demand in today’s complex property market.
More information is available on Open Property Group’s official website.
