A 2025 Santander report estimates that the impact of the UK’s outdated homebuying system costs consumers and economy £1.5 bn annually, particularly as almost a quarter of consumers experience a property chain failure and 85 percent experiencing a form of financial loss. The wider economic strains become apparent through declining wellbeing and wasted time – the majority of homebuying activities have taken place during work hours which could have been time spent on economically productive activities. The current system may discourage home buyers, the majority of whom report feeling constantly or frequently stressed throughout the process. With over half a million failed housing transactions annually, and 43 percent of these occurring within three months into the process, how can the homebuying system be streamlined in order to reduce complexities met during transactions and restore consumer confidence?

This event will:

• Discuss which tools can be implemented to alleviate the emotional toll of homebuying.
• Explore the digitalisation of the homebuying system and how technology can facilitate greater efficiency.
• Consider how to create a long-term approach to increase confidence in homebuying and create a system more feasible for individuals to move up the ladder.