Housing survey that talks of millions is based on tiny response

A survey which this week sensationally claimed that job instability and a shortage of suitable homes for sale is delaying three million household moves was based on an online survey of just 168 consumer responses.

When EAT first received the news release, publicising an industry event taking place this month called RESI, we were struck by the headline news.

It said that one-third of UK householders are delaying their home-moving process, primarily blaming job instability and a lack of suitable homes, and that the revelation was based on a ‘UK-wide survey’ carried out by RESI.

It went on: “Of those who are planning to move, nearly a third (30%) are delaying the process – an estimated 3 million UK households. Of those delaying a move, 30% said they couldn’t get finance due to their current job position and income, with nearly a quarter (24%) blaming a lack of available suitable homes.”

And it claimed that, according to the survey, an estimated 6.1 million householders (64% of potential movers), won’t be moving for at least another 12 months, with 38% delaying their move indefinitely.

EAT asked for further information about the survey.

We were told that online polls were carried out by the organisers of RESI 2011, an industry event, and were open between July 27 and August 16. The industry survey was also sent out to a database of “those specifically working in the industry”.

Industry responses were 471, whilst consumer responses were 168, said the spokesperson.

EAT asked: “Do you think that the survey results should have been released in this way, given the tiny responses?”

However, we have not yet a response to this question.