Moving house is a significant life event that many of us experience at some point. Whether it’s for work, family, or personal reasons, the decision to move can have a profound impact on our lives.
Reasons why people move house:
- Dissatisfied with current home
- Change of priorities
- Feeling unhappy
- Moving for work
- Retirement
- Financial Considerations
Dissatisfied with current home
One of the primary reasons people decide to move is dissatisfaction with their current living situation. This dissatisfaction can stem from various factors such as inadequate living space, unpleasant neighbourhood dynamics, or issues with the property itself.
When needs and priorities change, seeking a more suitable and comfortable environment becomes a compelling motivation for those looking to improve their quality of life.
Change of priorities
As families grow or change in size, individuals may need additional living areas, a larger garden, or a neighbourhood with better amenities. For households with pets, one important factor when moving house is that the property should include enough moving space for exploration and the general well-being of their furry friends. Under current laws landlords can ban tenants from keeping pets in privately rented properties, so those who wish to keep a pet would have to find a pet-friendly property that allows animals.
However, the Rental Reform Bill is going to change that – landlords will no longer be allowed to unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to keep pets. The bill will come into law on 1st October this year, and will initially only affect new tenancies. Pre-existing tenancies will be included 12 months later on 1st October 2025.
Feeling unhappy
Dissatisfied with life, broken up with a partner and longing for change? For many, moving to a new city for a fresh start can feel like the answer. However, research suggests that where we live is simply not the sole determining factor of our happiness. People are exposed to many messages that encourage them to believe that certain changes will produce marked improvements in their happiness, but happiness is influenced by various factors beyond our physical surroundings.
While moving may not guarantee happiness, it can still have a positive impact on our well-being if certain conditions are met. An improved living environment, a supportive social network, and a better work-life balance can contribute to a greater sense of happiness and contentment. Therefore, it’s important to consider these aspects when contemplating a move.
Moving for work
Career advancement is another significant driver for people to move home. Whether it’s a job transfer, a new employment opportunity, or the need to be closer to a workplace, work-related factors often prompt individuals to relocate.
The UK job market is dynamic, and different regions offer varying employment prospects. For example, cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are known for their thriving job markets, attracting professionals from across the country.
Moving for retirement
Retirement is another key driver for house moves. Many individuals choose to downsize or move to more suitable locations to enjoy their retirement years.
In a recent Nationwide survey, 40% of workers today plan to move to a different city or region after they retire, with “moving close to family” being one of their top priorities when choosing where to move.
Moving due to financial considerations
Financial factors can also drive people to move home. In the face of the cost of living crisis, individuals may seek more affordable housing options or look to reduce their living expenses by moving to a smaller property.
Furthermore, some individuals may take advantage of favourable property market conditions, such as rising house prices, to sell their current home and purchase a more desirable property or invest in property for rental income.
