First ever home-buying guide for neurodivergent people released, as two-thirds ‘give up’ trying to buy as the process is too complex

• 69 per cent believe the process is harder for neurodivergent people, with ‘being overwhelmed’, ‘making big decisions’ and ‘sensory overload’ all highlighted 

• A fifth asked someone else purchase a property on their behalf, amongst those who did it themselves, just a third were able to do so without assistance

• Just 12 per cent of estate agents have been offered training or guidance on working with neurodivergent buyers or sellers 

• Zoopla and The Brain Charity have released a new home-buying guide adapted for neurodivergent homebuyers, and a guide for estate agents to help them understand the challenges neurodivergent clients face

London: New research 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 teamed up with The Brain Charity to release the UK’s first home-buying guide adapted specifically for neurodivergent people. 

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. While having a neurodivergent brain can bring many benefits, 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.

Table 1: The top ten reasons neurodivergent homeowners find it harder to purchase a property

Source: Zoopla 

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.

Zoopla provides vital 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, Zoopla and The Brain Charity have also created a guide for estate agents, 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. 

Daniel Copley, Consumer Expert at Zoopla, comments: “The home buying process is complicated enough for those who are not neurodivergent, let alone for those who are. The standout finding is that most neurodivergent homeowners have previously tried to buy a home and given up. With over half saying this is because they found the process too complex, it shows there is a pressing need to adapt the guidance for neurodivergent people. While it is not a magic bullet, we have made the important first step with our guides for neurodivergent home buyers and estate agents.” 

Jayne Twiddle, an estate agent in York who regularly works with neurodiverse clients adds: “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, says: “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.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Survey conducted by Mortar Research from 22nd-29th October 2024 amongst 903 neurodivergent homeowners. Certain statistics (where relevant) are amongst the 80% of respondents who purchased their home themselves (as opposed to having someone do the homebuying process on their behalf).  

2. Estate agent research was carried out online among 33 respondents by targeting Zoopla’s network of UK estate agents. The questionnaire was designed by Mortar, a British Polling Council member, who also gathered the data from respondents. Respondent numbers were such that figures should be treated as indicative only.