What Search Data Tells Us About Demand for Moving in the UK
Search data gives us a pretty fascinating window into how, when, and where people in the UK are thinking about moving. Let’s break it down in a practical and reader-friendly way.
Seasonal Trends: When Do Brits Plan Their Moves?
Certain times of the year tend to generate spikes in moving-related Google searches:
- January: Often the most popular month for property searches. The “Boxing Day Bounce” and fresh New Year’s goals make January a hotspot for house hunting.
- May to August: These summer months are traditionally the busiest for house viewings and actual moves as regularly reported in studies and backed up by search data.
- September: Some Brits say they’re motivated to move house in September, perhaps inspired by a post-summer refresh mindset. Or this could be ready for the start of the school term if they’re moving house as a family with children of school age.
Regional Insights: Where Are People Most Eager to Move?
Google search volumes also vary by location, showing where people are most actively considering a move:
- London: Tops the list with key searches on our platform for both rental and shared ownership homes.
- Birmingham and Manchester: Also see high levels of moving-related search interest.
Distance Considerations: How Far Are People Willing to Move?
Our own data shows that people are looking to cast a wider net in terms of radius when looking to move home. This could be in part due to the lack of affordable rental properties available as well as looking further afield to get a more affordable home to buy.
Post-Pandemic Shifts: Urban vs. Rural Preferences
The pandemic initially pushed people toward rural and coastal areas, but recent trends as mentioned in the press are showing a reversal:
- Urban Areas: Interest in cities is making a comeback as normal routines return and more people head back to the office.
- Rural/Coastal Areas: Once highly sought after, these regions are now seeing slower property sales and price growth.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this can give you a glimpse into the UK’s moving landscape—from when people are most likely to plan a move to which regions are hottest and how far they’re looking to relocate.
Whether you are looking to move home now or in the future make sure you’re using a moving house checklist. We’ve linked to our own version, due to the fact you can easily track your progress online.
If you want deeper insights or something more tailored to your region or audience, feel free to get in touch.
