More than half of aspiring homeowners fear they will never be able to buy a home despite homeownership remaining a strong ambition for most non-homeowners, the latest survey from the HomeOwners Alliance has found.

While 73% of non-homeowners want to own their home, 52% of those hoping to buy doubt they will ever achieve it, with first-time buyers particularly pessimistic about current market conditions, according to the group's 2026 HomeOwner Survey, its tenth annual survey.

The survey suggested misconceptions about mortgages are undermining confidence, with many prospective buyers overestimating the size of deposit required, misunderstanding borrowing limits and assuming they cannot explore mortgage options before finding a property.

The survey also revealed the scale of the barriers facing existing homeowners. Nearly three-quarters (74%) say financial factors such as mortgage rates, deposits and stamp duty would need to improve to make moving easier.

Lower mortgage rates would encourage 42% of homeowners to move, rising to 50% among mortgage holders. More than a third (36%) point to lower stamp duty, while 31% identify lower deposit requirements.

The research also showed wider challenges across the housing market, including shortages of suitable retirement housing, gaps in understanding of financial protection products and a lack of trust in builders, which the Federation of Master Builders estimated is delaying £11.2bn of home improvement work each year.

Paula Higgins, CEO of the HomeOwners Alliance, said it was "deeply concerning" that so many aspiring homeowners believed they would never get onto the property ladder.

"Some face very real affordability barriers, but others may be counting themselves out because of outdated assumptions about deposits, borrowing limits or their eligibility for a mortgage. The government and industry must also tackle the high cost of moving, improve the buying and selling process and ensure the right homes are being built for people at every stage of life," Higgins said.

Several findings from the survey have already been released separately in partnership with ARCO (Association of Retirement Community Operators), LifeSearch and the Federation of Master Builders. The publication of the 2026 HomeOwner Survey brings together the full results in one report for information and reference.

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