Details of a new study of UK homeowners who moved in the last 18 months released by Zoopla shows that most take an average of nine years to move to a new property.
Over the past 18 months there were two peaks in seller activity, with 33% of sales happening after homeowners have remained in their home for three to seven years. Another peak was influenced by homeowners who purchased their properties just before the start of the financial crisis in 2007.
Those living in smaller homes with one or two bedrooms outgrow them quickly and rarely stay beyond 9 years. These tend to be more popular with single people and young families whose lifestyle are rapidly changing and are likely to upsize before more established families.
Thos in more affordable regions like the Northeast and Scotland tend to move sooner. 28% of homeowners in these regions look to move within five years of buying their home.
Londoners who sold in the last 18 months stayed longer compared to other areas in the UK, which can be anywhere up to ten years. Higher house prices and moving costs (such as stamp duty) are the most likely reason why.
Izabella Lubowiecka, senior property researcher at Zoopla said: "Two cohorts of sellers have dominated the market over the last 18 months - those who bought just before the Global Financial Crisis and those who bought just before or during the pandemic. Their decisions to move have been influenced not just by personal needs, but also equity gains, affordability and buying costs. As the market continues to settle in 2025, those considering selling should get in touch with local agents to understand the value of their current home, what demand for a home like theirs looks like and what they can afford to buy."
Toby Leek, NAEA Propertymark president, commented: “It’s inevitable and evidenced that financial and economic pressures will push buyers and sellers who have been waiting in the wings to make their next home sooner than originally planned.
“Propertymark agent members have reported the start of an anticipated continuous spike in demand from buyers and sellers which may be largely due to the commencement of rises to Stamp Duty in England and Northern Ireland from April 2025.
“As home movers rush to potentially save themselves thousands of pounds, we are likely to see a slight rise in house prices and a mad flurry of activity in the lead-up to April, providing a highly stimulated and effective market for those wanting to move.”