According to data from Rightmove, the UK's number one property portal, last year saw the busiest January on record for the Great British housing market. Despite the introduction of higher stamp duty fees and increased spending on home improvements, thousands of Brits still started 2021 with a search for their property happily ever after.

There are many reasons why people look for a new place to live. Most recently, rural retreats have been in high demand as companies continue to operate on a home working or hybrid basis, in addition to enduringly popular factors like attaining a shorter commute or more space. Whatever is driving the decision, finding a new home is a complicated procedure fraught with challenges. To mitigate the stress of buying your perfect property, rely on conveyancing solicitors to help you navigate the process.

Explore the five main reasons that motivate people to move house and how each of these factors impacts the decision-making when you are searching for your dream home.

People want more or less space

Whether you’re starting a family (or your current one is growing), you’re continuing to work from home, or you’re just feeling a little boxed in, the idea of moving to a bigger home with more rooms is a popular reason people decide to take the plunge and relocate. Interestingly, there are also a large number of homeowners looking to downsize since they find they cannot maintain the size of the home they’re currently in.

Shorten the commute

As many UK businesses make the move back to the office, commuting again after two years of working at home can leave a bitter taste in your mouth - especially if the pandemic has shown you how much more you can squeeze into your day without having to drive an hour or so to get to the office. As a result, many homeowners and office workers have started to look for homes that are closer to their workplace, meaning they can enjoy an extra 20 minutes in the morning. 

Their lifestyle has changed

One of the main reasons people decide to move is because their lifestyle has changed. Whether it’s because they’re looking for somewhere better to raise a family, their relationship has changed and they want to be closer to the one they love, or their current location just doesn’t support their interests and hobbies anymore - there are hundreds of reasons why a lifestyle change might prompt the want to relocate. 

The current costs of the house are too high

The cost of living crisis and rise of inflation has meant that owning a home has become increasingly difficult recently. While there are potential solutions to these problems (like refinancing or finding new employment) homeowners are also becoming more inclined to consider moving to save money. 

Start afresh

Sometimes it’s as simple as just needing a change. Moving to a new city or town (or even moving overseas) is a guaranteed way to shake things up and start on a new path. Likewise, many homeowners just want another chance to decorate a new home again - and are searching for a brand-new blank canvas. 

Be it personal circumstances, work-related, or just for a change of scenery, there are many reasons people across the UK are looking to move home. And with the housing market continuing at its rapid speed, it doesn’t look like this desire to relocate will be stalling anytime soon!