Nearly half (46%) of home buyers who have been in property chains say they experienced delays or transaction breakdown because of chain-related issues, Barclays reveals.
Barlcays’ latest property insight data found that recent buyers and sellers report that they budgeted an average of £4,954 for third party expenses, such as surveys or legal costs.
However, those who experienced problems or breakdown of their housing chain said they spent an additional £2,127 on average, 43% above the anticipated budget.
Meanwhile, 28% of those previously in a chain say they will delay moving for as long as possible because of the stress incurred, while 24% want to find their ‘forever home’ to stay in a property for a longer period of time.
A further 15% would exclusively sell to a cash or first-time buyer in future, while 13% would seek a new build to avoid chains.
Data also shows that owners of houses are more likely to be confident that the value of their home has increased compared to flat owners.
Nearly eight in 10 (78%) semi-detached owners and 75% of detached owners say they think the value of their home has increased since purchase, in comparison to 58% of flat owners.
However, though increased property value is positive, Barclays says monthly costs remain high.
Spending on utilities increased 4.4% year-on-year in January, with 18% of homeowners reporting they are exploring options to move to a more energy-efficient home to lower monthly bills.
Elsewhere, Barclays mortgage data shows the average UK deposit last month was £59,057, though slightly higher among first-time buyers, at £62,272.
Though deposits remain a top concern, renters’ confidence in the prospect of homeownership has risen slightly, with 15% saying they believe they could buy a home within the next 12 months, compared with 12% in December.
The number of renters who say they couldn’t buy without financial support from family has also eased to 52% from 59% in December 2025.
Barclays head of mortgages, savings and insurance Jatin Patel says: “Movers often face battles on two fronts, as the abundance of long property chains adds acute stress into the process.”
“The new build market can provide part of the solution, removing the chain links on the sell-side, but we also support reforms to modernise, digitise and ease the tension in the home-buying system.”
“The start of 2026 has shown encouraging signs for prospective buyers. Higher loan-to-value products have eased deposit requirements, with first-time buyers beginning to reap the benefits. However regional disparities underscore the importance of working with local brokers and to bring homeowners bespoke solutions for their needs.”
Barclays chief market strategist Julien Lafargue adds: “In addition to frictions in the process, the UK housing market has also to contend with a mixed macroeconomic picture. Growth slowed in the second half of 2025 and the UK labour market is still softening.”
“That said, the consumer remains broadly resilient, suggesting that growth could rebound in 2026. As we look into the first half of the year, political uncertainty and key local elections scheduled for May could lead to a ‘wait and see’ approach for businesses and consumers alike.”
