Londoners report the least stressful home moving experience in the UK, according to new research from the Open Property Data Association (OPDA), released alongside its Future of Homebuying Report 2026.

The study of more than 5,000 recent home movers found London respondents rated their experience 7.47 out of 10 for being stress-free, above the UK average of 7.3.

East Anglia recorded the lowest score at 6.9.

OPDA, a group pushing for transparent data sharing across the mortgage and wider property industry, thinks lower levels of transaction failures may be contributing to the capital’s smoother experience.

Just over half (52%) of Londoners said they had experienced a property purchase falling through, compared with the UK average of 58%, rising to 65% in the South West and 77% in Northern Ireland.

London also had the highest proportion of first-time-buyers, accounting for 32.3% of movers versus the UK average of 30%, which OPDA said may reflect a more active and fluid market.

The report also found other frustrations across the UK, with delays, poor communication, repeated requests for information and manual processes continuing to affect buyers and sellers. Nearly four in five respondents (78%) said the home moving process requires fundamental reform.

Maria Harris, chair of OPDA, said: “What this research clearly shows is that while experiences can vary by region, the underlying challenges are consistent across the UK. Encouragingly, there is clear appetite for change. People want a system that reflects how we live today — one that is faster, more transparent and better connected. The findings reinforce the urgent need for reform, and the growing role that better use of property data can play in improving the experience.”

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