The first ever home-buying guide for neurodivergent people has been released, as research shows two-thirds ‘give up’ trying to buy as the process is too complex
A new report released by Zoopla reveals that two-thirds of neurodivergent homeowners (64 per cent) have previously given up on buying a home, while 40 per cent have multiple times. Half (50 per cent) said this was because they found the process too complex.
Zoopla has therefore teamed up with The Brain Charity to release the UK’s first home-buying guide adapted for neurodivergent homebuyers, and a guide for estate agents to help them understand the challenges neurodivergent clients face.
Buying a home a challenge for neurodivergent adults
Neurodivergent adults account for an estimated 15-20 per cent of the UK population and include those who are autistic, have ADHD and dyslexia. For some the home-buying process can be challenging.
Seven in ten neurodivergent homeowners (69 per cent) believe that the homebuying process is more difficult for neurodivergent people, with issues relating to being overwhelmed by too many choices (50 per cent), arranging a mortgage (48 per cent), and having phone conversations (39 per cent) amongst those highlighted.
Twenty per cent found that they needed someone else to complete the home-buying process on their behalf. Amongst those who did it themselves, just 37 per cent were able to do everything without assistance.
Despite the additional challenges they can face, half of those surveyed (51 per cent) said that their estate agent was not aware that they were neurodivergent. Meanwhile, a quarter (25 per cent) had proactively mentioned it, whilst another quarter (24 per cent) were asked by their estate agent.
The top ten reasons neurodivergent homeowners find it harder to purchase a property:
1. |
Being overwhelmed by all the properties |
50 per cent |
2. |
Arranging a mortgage |
48 per cent |
3. |
Conveyancing and legal aspects |
44 per cent |
4. |
Having to make big decisions |
43 per cent |
5. |
Knowing where to start |
39 per cent |
6. |
Having phone conversations |
39 per cent |
7. |
Sensory overload during viewings |
39 per cent |
8. |
Liaising with estate agents |
37 per cent |
9. |
Having to deal with the change in surroundings when you move |
34 per cent |
10. |
Saving for a deposit |
31 per cent |
The guidance for estate agents
Additional research conducted amongst estate agents suggests that just under half (48 per cent) are aware of having sold a home to or for anyone who is neurodivergent. This is likely because just six per cent currently ask buyers and sellers if they are neurodivergent as a matter of course. The main reason they do not ask (38 per cent) is because they are worried it could be seen as discrimination.
Encouragingly, when estate agents are aware, an understanding of the need to make adjustments is present. Of those who have neurodivergent clients, 88 per cent said they regularly make adaptations for them.
However, the need for more support on the subject is clear, as just 12 per cent of estate agents say they have been offered training or guidance on working with neurodivergent buyers or sellers. Furthermore, 29 per cent of neurodivergent homebuyers said that the homebuying information they received was not neurodivergent-friendly.
To address this, this guide for estate agents aims to help them understand the specific barriers and additional needs neurodivergent homebuyers may have. The guide, which will be issued to estate agents by Zoopla, includes information on the adaptations they may want to make.
Jayne Twiddle, an estate agent in York who regularly works with neurodiverse clients sayu “As demonstrated in the findings, the first step is that agents become aware of what some neurodiverse people might require. To gain an understanding that they may encounter someone with these additional needs and to stop, and take some extra time to understand what is required. Creating clear materials, not rushing viewings, and doing what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it, are all critical.”
Jane Cullen, Training Manager at The Brain Charity added, “We are delighted to be working on Zoopla to launch the first home-buying guide adapted for those who are neurodivergent. We know huge numbers of people look to Zoopla for advice and guidance on the homebuying process so large organisations such as Zoopla must adapt key materials for those who are neurodivergent. It’s a big step forward, and we hope more companies, in the home-buying sector and beyond, follow suit.”
