Moving home is a big decision at the best of times.
But when the wider economic picture feels uncertain, that decision can start to feel even bigger.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling your current property, looking for somewhere to rent or deciding whether now is the right time to move, confidence plays a huge role in what happens next.
At UKREiiF, Stephanie Hattersley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Connells Group, discussed how geopolitical and economic uncertainty can impact the housing market. Her point was clear: uncertainty does not mean the market has stopped, but it can affect how people feel about making major property decisions.
Why Confidence Matters in The Housing Market
The housing market is not only shaped by prices.
It is also shaped by confidence.
When people feel more certain about interest rates, mortgage costs, the wider economy and their own financial position, they are often more comfortable making decisions. That could mean putting a property on the market, making an offer, applying for a mortgage, moving into rented accommodation or investing in a rental property.
When the picture is less clear, some people naturally pause.
For buyers and sellers, that might mean waiting to see what happens next. For renters, it could mean staying put for longer. For landlords and investors, it may mean taking more time to understand whether the numbers still work.
This is not about panic. It is about caution.
Why Uncertainty Can Make People Wait
Stephanie described the impact of uncertainty as something that reaches across the whole home buying and selling journey, from costs and investment to customer sentiment and interest rates.
That matters because each of these factors can affect whether people feel ready to move.
If mortgage rates are expected to change, buyers may wait. If household costs feel high, renters may be more cautious. If sellers are unsure whether they will achieve the price they need, they may delay listing their home.
This is why wider economic news can have a very real impact on everyday property decisions.
The housing market is personal. It is about homes, families, jobs, affordability and future plans. When people do not feel confident about what comes next, it can slow decision-making.
The Market Has Not Stopped
One of the most important points from the discussion was that uncertainty does not mean the market is dead.
People still need to move.
First-time buyers are still trying to get onto the ladder. Families still need more space. Landlords still need to make decisions about their portfolios. Renters still need homes. Downsizers still need options that work for later life.
The difference is that people may be more considered about when and how they move.
In a more cautious market, pricing, affordability and timing become even more important. Buyers may look more closely at value. Sellers may need to be realistic about expectations. Renters may be watching availability and cost more carefully. Landlords may be paying closer attention to regulation, demand and long-term returns.
Why Certainty Could Help the Market Move Again
Certainty does not always mean good news.
Sometimes, it simply means knowing what the conditions are.
For example, a clear direction on interest rates can help buyers understand what they can afford. Clearer economic signals can help sellers decide whether to come to market. More confidence around regulation can help landlords plan ahead.
Once people have a clearer sense of the landscape, they can make decisions with more confidence.
That is why the housing market often responds not only to what changes, but to how clearly those changes are understood.
What This Means If You Are Thinking of Moving
For anyone thinking about moving, the key message is not to assume the market has stopped.
Instead, it is worth focusing on your own position.
Can you afford the move comfortably? Do you understand your mortgage or rental options? Is your current home still right for you? Are you clear on what you need next?
The wider market matters, but your personal circumstances matter too.
In uncertain periods, good advice becomes even more valuable. Speaking to the right professionals early can help you understand your options, avoid surprises and make decisions based on facts rather than headlines.
Looking Ahead
The UK housing market is still moving, but confidence is shaping how people behave.
Uncertainty can make buyers, sellers, renters and landlords pause. But when there is greater clarity, people are often more willing to act.
As Stephanie highlighted during the panel, once the market has more certainty, there is reason to believe confidence can return.
For now, the most important thing is to understand the conditions, stay informed and make property decisions that are right for your circumstances.
All of our UKREiiF panel sessions are now available on demand.
