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April 30, 2020
3 minute read
The first of our 2020 Homeowner Survey results reveals a nation of homeowners and renters worried about the impact of coronavirus on their ability to pay for the roof over their heads, their future plans to move and mental health.
The survey carried out online by YouGov, just nine days after the lockdown measures were introduced across the UK, found:
Measures to tackle coronavirus are of the utmost importance; saving lives must be the priority. But this study shows that after just nine days of the lockdown measures being introduced, the impact on homeowners and renters alike is considerable.
While housing industry groups have expressed concerns about their businesses this is the first research highlighting homeowners’ concerns. This study was conducted in early April, so it is highly likely concerns around paying rent, mortgages and bills, and the impact of isolation on mental health has rocketed in the subsequent four weeks of lockdown. That is why we are calling on the government to ensure the housing market is one of the first sectors to be re-started, once it is safe to do so.
The human impact and multiplier effect of getting the housing market going is clear: people can move for jobs, a growing family or to downsize. Mortgage lenders in turn will feel confident in lending to first time buyers with smaller deposits. And a myriad of different jobs can be revived, from house builders, conveyancing firms, estate agents, surveyors, removals companies, architects, home improvement firms and more, all feeling the benefits.
However, it would be naive to think that lifting restrictions is all it would take to get people moving. The housing market is driven by confidence. That is why we are calling for a 12 month stamp duty holiday. This would incentivise families who can afford to move to get on and do so, giving the housing market and all the related sectors the kick start they need.
March 25, 2025 
