Home Movers in the Midlands Stay Local, New Research Reveals

New research has revealed fascinating insights into the distances people move home across the UK, with distinct regional patterns emerging that show our local area benefits from stronger community ties and more stable housing transitions.

According to comprehensive analysis by removals comparison website reallymoving, which examined data from 170,000 home moves over the past 12 months, residents in the Midlands typically relocate within just 10 miles of their current home. This positions our region firmly in the middle ground between the North, where moves are even more localised, and the South, where residents are travelling significantly further distances.

The study highlights how movers in the North East and North West of England relocate a median distance of just 8 miles, with over 40% of moves in both regions occurring within a five-mile radius of their existing address. These figures reflect the strong community bonds in northern regions and the relatively affordable housing market that allows residents to progress through their property journey without needing to venture far from familiar surroundings.

For those of us in Warwickshire and the surrounding areas, this research provides valuable context for understanding our local property market. The 10-mile median moving distance in the Midlands suggests that our community benefits from a healthy balance of housing affordability and availability, allowing residents to find suitable properties without needing to relocate to entirely new regions.

By contrast, the picture looks quite different in southern England. Movers in the East of England travel a median distance of 17 miles from their previous home – more than double that of northern regions – with 31% of moves covering more than 50 miles. Similarly, those in the South East and South West are relocating 14 and 15 miles respectively, highlighting the greater distances people must travel to find suitable property options.

Rob Houghton, chief executive of reallymoving, explains: "It's clear that financial constraints and the pull of existing support networks play a major role in shaping how far people move home. While many of us dream of pastures new, in reality most people stay close to their existing community, anchored by jobs, schools, friends and family networks."

For residents in the local area, these findings are particularly relevant. Rugby's unique position within the housing market means that many families can progress through their property journey without sacrificing proximity to established community connections, workplaces, and educational institutions. The town offers diverse housing options across different price points, helping to ensure that buyers can find their ideal property without needing to relocate substantial distances.

The research suggests that lower property prices in northern regions allow residents to take their next steps up the property ladder without moving far from their current location. Meanwhile, in southern counties, high property costs and housing shortages are compelling people to relocate greater distances in search of affordable options.

Looking at the UK as a whole, the median moving distance is 11 miles, with 36% of moves taking place within a five-mile radius. However, it's worth noting that a significant proportion of movers are relocating considerable distances to start afresh somewhere new, with almost one-fifth (19%) travelling 100 miles or more to their new home.

Interestingly, the South West has the largest proportion of long-distance moves, with many relocations exceeding 100 miles. As one of the UK's least populated regions, movers there are often forced to cover greater distances to find suitable properties.

For those considering a move within Warwickshire, these findings offer reassurance that our region provides a relatively balanced housing market. With a typical moving distance of 10 miles, families in the area can generally find their next home without disrupting established routines and connections.

At Ellis Brooke, we've observed similar patterns amongst our clients in the local area. Many buyers are seeking to progress through the property market while maintaining their connections to the community, keeping children in the same schools, and preserving their commuting routines. Our extensive knowledge of the town and surrounding villages allows us to help buyers find their ideal property within a comfortable distance of their current home.

As property experts with over 30 years of combined experience in the local market, we're uniquely positioned to help homeowners understand how these trends affect their moving plans. Whether you're looking to stay within your immediate neighbourhood or venture slightly further afield to find your dream home, our team can provide the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions.

If you're considering a move in the near future and would like to discuss how these trends might impact your plans, or if you're curious about the value of your current property, don't hesitate to contact our team for a free, no-obligation valuation.