Welcome to BuyAssociation.co.uk

Why do people move? - Claire Hose, MoveMinder

Reasons people move

Not so long ago it wasn’t unusual to move only once or twice in your life, but today the average person moves every six years; so what makes people move? Here are the main reasons why people up sticks:

1. More Space – Most people’s first homes are small because that’s all people can afford, especially in times like these. As time passes, and more ‘stuff’ is acquired (including children), people move to accommodate the need to spread out.

2. Upgrade/change – The need might not be there, but sometimes people move simply because they want something bigger/better/newer/nicer.

3. Schools – House prices near good schools are often highly inflated because we want our kids to get the best education possible. If that means moving into a different school catchment area, many parents are prepared to make the move and accept the related sacrifices.

4. “The neighbourhood’s changed” - Neighbourhoods change physically, socially and economically over time, and so do the people who live in them, so moving to a location that better suits their current needs. Noisy neighbours are a common complaint, especially for city dwellers.

5. Job relocation – You just bagged your dream job but it’s located 200 miles away... that’s a killer commute; the easiest option is to move. Some lucky folk are afforded a relocation allowance if their current job dictates that they have to move.

6. Coupling up – Moving in with your current squeeze is an exciting step. It might be one of you moving into the other’s place or both moving into a new abode.

7. Splitting up - If you’ve broken up with your partner, chances are you don’t want to stay living together (unless you’re very forgiving and open minded). This situation can be pretty complicated, especially if you owned a property together.

8. Less space – Once the kids have flown the nest the need for a big house is no longer there. Large houses can feel rather empty with only one or two people in them, so often parents choose to downsize – the prospect of less rooms to clean is also appealing!

9. Retirement – Many retirees opt for a simpler pace of life, but let’s not stereotype; some supergrannies/grandads might want to move nearer to an extreme sports centre with their new found freedom.

10. Health problems – Stairlift companies might prefer it if you adapt your current home, but many people prefer to move to a property that better suits their needs if physical capabilities change.

11. Work required – One person’s ‘do-er upper’ is another person’s nightmare, so some people leave it to those who want to take on the project, and move on to pastures new.

12. A project – Property renovation is more popular than ever, and with plenty of old houses in the country there are plenty to choose from! Similarly, building your dream home from scratch is also quite popular.

13. Family – Grandparents want to be near their grandkids, children want to look after their elderly parents, or you’ve just discovered you have a long lost family member that you want to get to know; all reasons for moving nearer to our loved ones. Conversely, moving away from family might make relations more harmonious.

14. Releasing equity – After saving all your life to pay off your mortgage you suddenly realise that that’s a lot of money tied up in bricks and mortar – where’s the enjoyment in that? Selling up and reaping the rewards is an option.

15. A change in lifestyle – Perhaps you’ve joined a wood/cave dwelling commune and no longer require a house, you’ve decided to emigrate to somewhere sunny or you’re sick of the city and want to live on a farm; all are good reasons to move (except maybe the living in a wood/cave one).

Claire Hose

‘Expert mover’ Claire Hose is Managing Director of MoveMinder Limited (www.moveminder.co.uk). MoveMinder Limited is a move management company which specialises in assisting individuals with all the additional tasks associated with moving house.

More pages

Page 1: Reasons people move

UK property insurance from intasure - Click here for great deals and up to 40% risk related discount on UK & overseas insurance

Advertise Your English Rental Property simple, effective and affordable marketing online!

All you need for a beautiful bathroom - at affordable prices

UK Investment property from just £34,500 High-quality student rooms in an emerging market with 10% net yield guaranteed

Discounted hotel rooms in the UK - click here for Laterooms special offers

Holiday homes to rent - across the UK & Ireland

Calculate how much you can earn - rent out your UK holiday home here