Moving home has long been considered one of life’s most stressful events—but recent findings suggest the experience may be doing more than just raising stress levels. It’s actively discouraging people from moving again altogether.

For many buyers and sellers across the UK, the excitement of agreeing a sale is quickly followed by a frustrating reality: the long wait to completion. It’s a question we hear time and time again—why does buying a home take so long? And perhaps more importantly, who is actually responsible? Data suggests one of the main factors is conveyancing.

The UK rental market is entering a period of significant change, with new research suggesting that tenants could face increased housing costs from 2027 as landlords respond to upcoming tax changes. Combined with the wider economic backdrop shaped by interest rate decisions, this signals a pivotal moment for both landlords and renters across UK.

As we move through May 2026, buyers are seeing more homes come to market, but affordability still matters. Here is what today’s mix of greater choice, steady demand and higher mortgage costs means if you are planning a move.