Home is where the car park is
Car parking beats being close to family on the wish list of homemovers, according to research from Royal Mail Redirections.
Almost one in three (27 per cent) of people said that car parking was most important if they had to move home, while just 17 per cent said being close of family was the top priority.
Brushing off the backdrop of the economic downturn, British people are currently considering getting on the move again with only 40% ruling out the prospect of leaving their current home, despite the average adult moving five times since the age of 18.
18-24 year olds are the age group most likely to move house to be near family, with over one in five listing living near relatives as their biggest consideration when choosing an area to live.
Despite traditionally seeking to fly the nest in search of new found freedom, it seems that the "Bank of Mum and Dad" may be providing a major appeal for young adults, whilst just 12 % of 35-44 year olds rated family as their biggest consideration.
When it comes to choosing the ideal area for a new home, the emotional pull of family also loses out to our love of motors. Asked to select the most important factor in choosing a new home, more than a quarter of all adults rated the luxury of their own car parking space (27%) as preferable to living near family, with only 17 per cent identifying the relatives as a major pull.
The presence of a good pub is seen as more important than good local education amongst the UK’s men, with almost a quarter (22 per cent) rating a local boozer as the most important, in terms of being in the local area than a good school (15 per cent).
The South West of England has proved the most popular region of the UK to move to, with more people mentioning Devon, Cornwall or Dorset as their ideal moving destination. More than one in ten UK adults (11 per cent) would choose to leave these shores altogether, with those questioned mentioning Australia and Spain as the most popular locations for aspiring ex-pats.
However, for many people across the UK worries for the safety of their pets and the financial strains of moving were major concerns. Almost one in ten UK adults (seven per cent) stated that they would not wish to move their pets to an unfamiliar neighbourhood, whilst nearly two in five people (39 per cent) are concerned about the financial issues associated with moving.
The study commissioned by Royal Mail Redirections in association with YouGov looks further at the motivation behind the nation’s moving habits.
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
We are a nation of outdoors lovers; half the population rate being near green space as one of the most important consideration for a new area (50 per cent). The countryside wins over urban areas as just under one fifth of people (19 per cent) want to move from the town to a rural idyll, whilst only two per cent of the nation would prefer to move from the country into a town or city.
Supermarkets pip local shops to the post with 31 per cent vs 29 per cent preferring to be near (within 2 miles) a shopping giant than a local store.
Despite more pressures on the nation to keep fit, only four per cent of people were concerned about being near (within 2 miles) a gym.
What does the perfect home look like?
The research found that only one fifth of the nation (20 per cent) want to upgrade to a larger home.
More than two thirds desire two (30 per cent) or three (39 per cent) bedrooms, with just one per cent looking for more than six.
Whilst the living room is the most important room for 32 per cent, what’s outside is given similar priority. 43 per cent of UK adults believe that the garden is a crucial to choosing a new house and over one quarter would prefer their own car parking space (27 per cent).
Everybody needs good neighbours
Our immediate neighbours are a huge concern when moving into a new area. Over one quarter of people (27 per cent) revealed that the prospect of not liking their new neighbours would be a major worry ahead of moving.
Where are we leaving behind?
Statistics from the Royal Mail Consumer Barometer show more people have moved out of Romford, Sutton, Ilford and Uxbridge than any other place in the UK
Louise Williams, from Royal Mail Redirections, said: "It is fascinating to see this insight into the moving habits of our customers. The research reveals that over one quarter of us is very concerned about the increased threat of identity fraud associated with moving home. Taking out a Redirection is a really cost effective way of taking away that stress, whilst at the same time ensuring that you continue to receive all of your personal mail."
She added: "Redirection is a cost-effective way of continuing to receive mail when you move home or business, even if the move is temporary, or to an overseas address. Customers can now also set up a Redirection of mail online if your debit/credit card is registered at the address you are moving from."
Nicki Chapman, TV lifestyle and property presenter, said: "Finding the ideal home is such an important and personal issue for all of the UK, and it is interesting to look at all the different factors behind how we make our decisions. It’s great to see that despite the tough economic times at present, over two thirds of us are still keen to look for their perfect home."
Robin King, director and property expert, Movewithus.co.uk said: "My advice is not to let ones heart rule the head. Homeowners really do need to analyse what they are looking for, and prioritise; whether it’s proximity to a hostelry or supermarket, or whether it’s three bedrooms or off-street parking. Location may be most important but equally having outside space or garage may be critical."
For more information about Royal Mail redirection services, visit royalmail.com/redirection.