| 30% of Brits moved home in the past three years, motivated by lifestyle changes and space | One in six homeowners plan to relocate this year, with garages and gardens top priorities | Renters face affordability challenges, with many needing family support to buy their first home. |
After a busy period in the housing market, there seems to be plenty of appetite left among homeowners and renters for seeking pastures new, research1 suggests.
Some 30% of Brits have moved home in the past three years. The main motivations for doing so have included lifestyle improvements (17%), a desire to be closer to family and friends (17%) and finding a bigger home (15%).
There is no sign that the moving frenzy is over: one in six existing homeowners intend to relocate this year. In 2025, top priorities for prospective buyers are garages or driveways (40%), which came out narrowly ahead of gardens (39%) and functional spaces like pantries or utility rooms (32%).
Among renters, one in five think that home ownership is within their reach during the next five years. Yet, affordability concerns remain at the forefront for many: property prices (40%) and the amount needed for a deposit (37%) are respondents’ two biggest barriers to home ownership. Besides, six in 10 renters believe it would be impossible to buy a home without support from a family member.
For homeowners who are staying put, many are focused on sprucing up instead: some 43% are considering renovating or redecorating. Meanwhile, a quarter plan to update their property to boost energy efficiency.
1Barclays, 2025
As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments.
