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September 8, 2025
Our ninth annual HomeOwners Survey, sponsored by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and LifeSearch, reveals how the housing crisis has deepened since 2015. From the challenges facing “generation rent” to rising barriers to moving, the risks of unprotected mortgages, and the push for better protection against cowboy builders, the findings make sobering reading.
Issues that were major problems in 2015 continue to weigh heavily on the market a decade later. What’s more, concerns have intensified:
The crisis is hitting first-time buyers hardest. Aspiration to own has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade, with just 64% of non-homeowners saying they want to buy – down from 71% last year.
Our research with LifeSearch highlights a hidden financial vulnerability:
Debbie Kennedy, CEO of LifeSearch, said:
“As financial vulnerability has heightened in recent years, this year’s survey highlights just how vital it is for homeowners to protect themselves against financial fallout. The right protection can make all the difference between keeping a roof over your head and facing financial hardship. That’s why working with HomeOwners Alliance to raise awareness of the challenges facing millions of people across the country has been so important.”
Our research with the Federation of Master Builders uncovers a widespread misperception: two in five homeowners wrongly believe builders are already licensed. In reality, no such scheme exists. Encouragingly, 81% of homeowners back the introduction of mandatory licensing, including background checks, skills assessments, and a dispute resolution system.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said:
“Working with the HomeOwners Alliance has exposed the many challenges facing homeowners and the need to protect them from unscrupulous companies. This new data underlines why a licensing scheme for builders is essential, as we know cowboy builders have cost British homeowners a staggering £14.3 billion over the past five years alone. The problem is that anyone can set themselves up as a builder with no minimum training or qualifications, leaving consumers vulnerable and the building industry’s reputation at risk. A properly enforced licensing system for building companies would weed out rogue traders, safeguard households from poor quality and unsafe work, and give skilled tradespeople the recognition they deserve. Licensing is a crucial step towards restoring trust, raising standards, and ensuring a safer, higher-quality built environment.”
The full survey report digs deeper into national and regional trends – from first-time buyer struggles to what’s stopping people from moving. You can read the full report here.
At the HomeOwners Alliance, we campaign for a fairer housing system: to make buying, selling, owning and improving a home less difficult and less expensive. This year’s findings underline just how urgent change is.We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below or email us at hello@hoa.org.uk. What issues should we campaign on next?
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