Climate change has become a key homebuying concern that can kill off deals, according to the latest research from property data specialist Landmark.

It found that 99% of property professionals are now reporting that clients are concerned about climate change when buying property – up from 72% last year.

And, according to Chris Loaring, Group Sustainability Director at Landmark (pictured): “Climate change has moved firmly into the mainstream of homebuying concerns.”

More than one in three conveyancers (38%) say deals are stalling when buyers get negative climate risk reports and change their minds. A quarter (24%) report mortgage problems, and a fifth (20%) cite insurance difficulties.

High anxiety levels

And it’s conveyancers who are seeing some of the highest client anxiety levels at 66%, compared to mortgage lenders (54%) and estate agents (36%).

After the fourth warmest year since 1884, heat stress concerns have overtaken flooding, with energy performance worries topping the list at 65%, followed by heat stress at 62%, and flooding now third at 51%.

Half of professionals (51%) now want climate risk reported upfront via estate agents rather than waiting for conveyancing – up from 45% last year.

This shift is no longer hypothetical; we’re seeing real consequences in the market.”

But there’s no agreement on who should advise buyers on climate risk. Most favour environmental specialists, though many also see a role for agents, conveyancers and surveyors.

Loaring said: “This shift is no longer hypothetical; we’re seeing real consequences in the market, from stalled transactions to challenges securing mortgages or insurance. It’s clear that climate resilience is now a defining factor in property decisions.”

You can read the report here.