Nearly three-quarters of homeowners believe it is too expensive to move, research from HomeOwners Alliance has found.
According to the research, 74% of homeowners cited costs such as mortgage rates, deposit requirements and Stamp Duty as the main barriers to moving.
Lower mortgage rates were identified as the biggest potential driver of activity, with 42% saying this would encourage them to move, rising to 50% among those with a mortgage.
Reform of the buying and selling process (37%) and lower Stamp Duty (36%) were also highlighted as key factors.
The findings pointed to differing challenges across demographics.
Among homeowners aged over 55, 32% said a greater supply of later-life housing, such as bungalows, would support moves, while 29% called for earlier legally binding transactions to reduce uncertainty.
Leasehold reform was also cited by 22% of this group.
For first-time buyers, affordability remains the primary obstacle, with 42% identifying deposit requirements and 39% mortgage rates as the main barriers.
A further 19% said more targeted savings products would help them onto the housing ladder.
Paula Higgins, chief executive officer at HomeOwners Alliance, said: “The message from homeowners is clear: moving home in Britain can feel too expensive, too slow and too stressful. But even in a challenging market, it is still possible to move – and for many people, it’s about making the decision that’s right for you and your circumstances.
“Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or buying for the first time, there are ways to navigate the system and make it work. At HomeOwners Alliance, we’re here to help people cut through the complexity, understand their options and move forward with confidence.
“At the same time, there’s no question the system needs to improve. Tackling affordability, addressing stamp duty and fixing the broken buying process will make it easier for everyone to move when the time is right.”
Higgins added: “We already know older homeowners want more bungalows, but this research also shows growing concern about leasehold.
“Many have spent their lives in freehold homes and are understandably wary of downsizing into properties with added costs, complexity and restrictions.
“The government now needs to get on with leasehold reform to give homeowners confidence in flats and ensure this vital part of the housing market continues to work for everyone.”