What makes people move and what are their priorities? - Survey

Living close to family and friends is a top priority for nearly four in 10 people according to a survey of some 2,000 adults - described as the first of its kind since the pandemic. 

Equally important to being near to family is access to green open space, but the most important factor revealed was proximity to essential amenities such as a pharmacy or a shop selling food, indicated by 49 per cent of respondents, evidencing a preference to stay local.

A private car-parking space would be a top priority when selecting their next home for 38 per cent of people, the second most popular answer. 

Younger people are less likely to see this as important with just 25 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds considering private parking important. This was much higher at 48 per cent for the over 55s and stood at 37 per cent for those aged 35 to 54.

Having good broadband speed and a spare bedroom which can be adapted for a range of uses (both indicated by 28 per cent of respondents) were both particularly highly sought after. Both of these property attributes were elevated in importance during the lockdowns and enforced home working period for many in office-based roles.

Good broadband speeds are more of a priority for older people, with 30 per cent indicating this factor in the 55+ category. This stood at 25 and 29 per cent for 18 to 34 year olds and 35 to 54 year olds respectively. 

Overall, the most important factor when selecting a next home is access to a private outdoor space, such as a garden or a balcony, which was indicated by just over half of respondents.

The top three drivers for wanting to move are all bricks and mortar-related, rather than being linked to location; 17 per cent of people want a home with more indoor space, 14 per cent are seeking a better-quality property and 13 per cent want a home with more outdoor space. 

Very few people - just two per cent - say their main reason for moving home is to move into a city or town, which aligns with the post-pandemic narrative of many people moving out of cities in the search for more space. Three times more people - six per cent - say their main motivation for moving is to get away from the city or big town they live in currently.

The survey was conducted for the housebuilder Redrow.