Legal News

‘Property purchases more stressful than childbirth’

21/04/2010

House buying has become the most stressful activity for the British public, with one in four homeowners claiming it was their most difficult experience in life, new research has revealed.

Professional advice website, Unbiased.co.uk, conducted a widespread survey of Britons to assess what has become the most stressful experience currently facing the public.

Buying a house led the way with 24% of votes, ahead of starting a new job at 14%, having a child (13%) and getting married (9%). And generational differences regarding house purchases began to surface as 37% of those aged between 20 and 29 rated house buying as the biggest trauma, falling to 24% for those aged 70 and over.

But it gets no easier with experience. Moving up the property ladder appears even more stressful than the first step, with 41% of second time buyers finding buying their second home harder than their first.

"Buying a house is a stressful experience. So much time and effort is invested into finding the right home; it is no surprise people find it more stressful than having a baby,” said Karen Barrett, Chief Executive of Unbiased.co.uk.

Finding the right property was the most stressful part of the house buying process for 35% of homeowners, but Unbiased claims the right property experts can help cushion against anxieties and stress.

“Buying a home is probably the most expensive decision you will ever make and involves lots of complicated stages. With over one in ten homeowners finding getting and arranging a mortgage the most stressful part of the process, seeing an adviser is a good step in getting help and advice,” added Ms Barrett.