The 4 Main Reasons People Move House

These days, many of us openly admit to being Rightmove enthusiasts. It's perfectly normal. I believe that human nature—likely influenced by social media—encourages us to constantly seek the next exciting opportunity. And, as humans, we are all naturally curious. However, what truly intrigues me is the underlying motivation for moving house. I believe there are some common triggers - like Christmas for example. The traditional season to be jolly, brings with it - mass catering, overnight guests and a sustained period of household festive chaos. It is potentially your homes biggest practical test! If your house ends up letting you down, the seed has been sown.

These instances where the house doesn't quite stand up, can then develop into genuine reasons and justification for moving. Based on my experience as an independent estate agent and having relocated several times over the past 20 years, I've identified four key factors that drive the final decision to move house…

1. Life Changes - life is a journey.  And we pick people up along the way.  Single life soon turns into a partnership, and before you know it, two soon become three, then three become four….and so on.  There’s a constant need for space and adaptability. As families grow or shrink, the requirements for living space change, prompting a move to accommodate new family dynamics or to downsize once children have left home. And just because they’ve gone - doesn’t mean they won’t be back!

   
   

2. Work - Career advancement can require relocation. Whether it’s a new job, a promotion, or the chance to start a business, moving closer to work can reduce commute times and improve work-life balance, making it a compelling reason for many to pack up and start a fresh in a new location. And, since COVID, work is often from home itself. More of us are spending increased amounts of time at home as it doubles as our workplace. Working remotely, however, means there’s the option to live pretty much anywhere which can drive the desire to relocate.

   
   

3. Financial Circumstances - Changes in income or financial status can lead to a house rethink. Some might move to more affordable areas to reduce living expenses, while others may upgrade to a larger house or better area when financial fortunes improve. Mortgage rate fluctuations or the end of a favourable fixed rate can often trigger a need to sell up and move on. And some may have just made a conscious decision to make their own way up the property ladder by buying, renovating and selling their way up!

   
   

4. Desire for a Lifestyle Change - Sometimes, the motivation to move is driven by the desire for a different lifestyle. This could mean moving from the hustle and bustle of the city, to the tranquillity of the countryside. Or vice versa, to enjoy the vibrancy of urban living. Access to better schools, recreational facilities, or simply a change of scenery can inspire this sort of move. It can also be a particular way of living that homeowners aspire to. The UK’s leading property developers now incorporate sociable, open-plan, family friendly living spaces particularly into their family-size property layouts. Free flowing kitchen/living/dining spaces are common place these days as we adopt a much more integrated living style. Although the savvy interior design followers amongst us will also note the inclusion of separate breakout spaces now within ground floor layouts. Whilst we are still in the dizzy heights of opening up our homes so we can all be together, latest designs seem to be incorporating additional, smaller reception rooms with closing doors so we shut ourselves away too!

   
   

What we could really all do with is an elasticated house. With wings. Flexible living accommodation that can see us through all these life changes. And the ability to pick up our houses and relocate to different surroundings or locations as and when it suits.

On a personal level, we’re entering our 9^th year in our current house. That’s a record for us! I put this down to the house itself, and the area we live in. 9 years ago, husband and I, along with our two daughters aged 10 and 17 at the time, and two nutty spaniels, moved into our 4 bed detached home with a double garage and a wraparound garden. The house is in Old Kennington, a leafy Ashford suburb, with country walks on the doorstep and a big Sainsburys a 7 minute car ride away. And when my Mum got very poorly and my Dad became a full time carer and very tired, the house stepped up. We were lucky enough to be able to convert the garage and incorporate a small extension which, in the end (and it was a very long and bumpy ride!), still gave us our 4 bedroom family home, but with the addition of a completely separate 2 bed annex.

However, these days Mum and Dad are still next door in the Annex, and Dad is a lot less tired, but....my 10 year old is now at University in Bristol, my 17 year old is living with her other half and getting married next year, and two dogs have become just the one. And my husband still pines for his long lost garage! In the absence of an elasticated house, with wings, I am starting to feel our next move coming on.....2026 could be interesting.