New research from Skipton Building Society highlights the emotional pressures that first-time buyers face during the home-buying process, with uncertainty, delays, and unexpected costs contributing to stress and anxiety. For mortgage brokers and financial advisers, understanding these pain points is critical to helping clients navigate the journey more confidently and supporting both their financial and mental well-being.
As Mental Health Awareness Week (11th-17th May) shines a light on the everyday pressures that affect wellbeing, Skipton’s findings show how quickly home-buying can become a source of anxiety.
Uncertainty around plans proves the most unsettling for those navigating the process. Over one in five buyers experienced stress around the uncertainty of their completion dates (22%), while 22% also felt emotional stress about their purchase falling through. Last-minute changes (10%) and uncertainty about payments (10%) also drive anxiety in new buyers.
That emotional load can be even heavier for those navigating the journey alone. Skipton’s female solo buyer research found that nearly a third feel overwhelmed by the home‑buying process, balancing financial worries with the responsibility of making major decisions without support. More than half (53 per cent) also worry about the financial strain if their income were to change unexpectedly.
Speaking on the research, Head of Mortgage Products and Proposition at Skipton Building Society, Jen Lloyd, shares some top tips:
“Our research shows that while buyers are incredibly motivated, they face a disproportionate number of barriers – from saving for a deposit on one income to shouldering all the upfront costs alone. The risks and pressures of buying can feel amplified in today’s market, but that shouldn’t prevent people from pursuing this path.
Leaning on support networks such as friends and family, alongside regular contact with a professional, can help ease the pressures, particularly if you are buying alone. When things are beyond your control, it’s natural to feel frustrated, but focusing on what you can influence can help you feel more grounded when waiting for things to move forward.”
