Simplifying property buying for neurodivergent people

New research has revealed that navigating the property buying process is a significant challenge for neurodivergent individuals, with nearly two-thirds (64%) abandoning the process at least once. Among them 40% reported giving up multiple times due to the complexity involved and half (50%) cited this as their primary reason.

To address these difficulties property portal Zoopla has partnered with The Brain Charity to develop two groundbreaking resources: the UK’s first home buying guide tailored for neurodivergent individuals and a complementary guide for property agents. These new resources aim to foster greater understanding and inclusivity in the housing market.

The challenges for neurodivergent homebuyers

Neurodivergent adults, including those with autism, ADHD and dyslexia, make up approximately 15-20% of the UK population. Many face unique challenges when purchasing a home. According to the survey 69% of neurodivergent homebuyers believe the process is more difficult for them than for others. Key obstacles include:

• Feeling overwhelmed by too many options (50%)
• Navigating the mortgage process (48%)
• Managing phone conversations (39%)

In some cases 20% of neurodivergent buyers needed assistance to complete the process and only 37% managed independently without support. Despite these challenges 51% of respondents reported that their estate agent was unaware of their neurodivergence.

Understanding and supporting neurodivergent property buyers

Research among estate agents found that less than half (48%) recognised having worked with neurodivergent clients. This may stem from only 6% routinely inquiring about neurodivergence, as many fear such questions could be misinterpreted as discriminatory.

Encouragingly agents who are aware often strive to accommodate. Of those working with neurodivergent clients 88% reported making adjustments. However a lack of formal training persists, with only 12% receiving guidance on supporting neurodivergent buyers or sellers.

To bridge this gap the guide for agents highlights practical strategies for recognising and addressing the needs of neurodivergent clients. Distributed by Zoopla, this initiative seeks to ensure greater accessibility and understanding in the real estate sector.

As a property buying agent, Curetons has now adopted several strategies to make the home buying process more accessible and comfortable for all our neurodivergent clients:

1. Clear and structured communication

• Use concise, straightforward language when explaining steps, avoiding jargon that might overwhelm or confuse.
• Provide written summaries of discussions to reinforce key points and allow clients to process information at their own pace.

2. Tailored property viewings

• Schedule viewings at quieter times to minimise sensory overload caused by crowded or busy environments.
• Offer virtual tours or detailed video walkthroughs as an alternative to in-person visits, especially for clients who find new environments stressful.

3. Flexibility and sensory considerations

• Be accommodating to specific sensory preferences (e.g. avoiding properties with strong odours or overly bright lighting).
• Allow clients extra time during viewings to ensure they feel comfortable and unhurried.

4. Visual aids and simplified options

• Present property options visually through organised charts, images or interactive tools, reducing the cognitive load from processing too many choices at once.
• Group properties based on specific client preferences to streamline decision-making.

5. Support with complex processes

• Assist with form-filling, mortgage applications and legal processes, breaking these down into manageable steps.
• Provide checklists and timelines to help clients track their progress and feel in control of the process.

6. Awareness and training

• Undertake training to understand neurodivergent experiences, ensuring sensitivity to individual needs.
• Actively ask if the client has specific requirements or adjustments that could make the process more comfortable.

7. Building trust and rapport

• Create a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their needs without fear of judgment.
• Establish a single point of contact to reduce the stress of dealing with multiple people.

8. Accessible documentation

• Ensure contracts, brochures and other materials are available in accessible formats, such as easy-read versions or large print to suit individual needs.

By incorporating these approaches we hope Curetons can significantly improve the experience for our neurodivergent clients, fostering inclusivity and trust in the property buying process. These adjustments hopefully not only demonstrate empathy, but also align with emerging best practices within the property industry as a whole.

You can read more about how Curetons fosters and supports equality and diversity here.