A 'YouGov' survey commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) expect to face financial difficulties paying their housing costs over the coming 12 months.

The survey also indicates that the recession and credit crunch has caused over eight million people to delay or cancel their housing plans to move over the past 12 months.

The survey of 2,028 people throughout the UK, aged over 18, was undertaken between 19 and 21 May 2009 to look at the growing impact of the recession and credit crunch. The sample included homeowners, private renters and people living in social housing.

In general, older age groups expect to be able to withstand the recession better than younger age groups over the next 12 months. From a peak of 29% in the 18-24 age group expecting financial difficulties with housing costs, there is a gradual decline to 27% in the middle age groups and reducing to 22 per cent in the 55 years and over age group.

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People living in the manufacturing-based midlands are the most concerned about housing costs over the next 12 months with 31% of respondents expecting to face financial challenges. Scotland appears to be the most recession-proof, with just over one in five people expecting problems in the next 12 months.

The most affected age group, in terms of placing their housing plans on hold, is the 25 to 34 age group. 29% of people in this band have delayed or cancelled their plans to move over the past 12 months, compared to 13 and 11% in the 45 to 54, and 55 years and over age groups, respectively.

CIH Chief Executive, Sarah Webb, said: "Shelving your housing plans may mean not being able to accept a job offer because you can't move; it may mean having to remain in over-crowded housing or having to delay your plans to start a family; it may mean having to remain living care-of your friends or family or staying in insecure, temporary accommodation because you can’t find an alternative - whatever it means for many households it will be a real problem."

(CD/JM)