Home is where the pub is for adults in the North West

New research reveals the motivation behind our search for the perfect home

A home near a local pub beats living close to a good school on the home moving wish list of men, new research revealed today.

Over one fifth of men in the North West of England (22 per cent) chose a local pub as the most important factor when choosing a new home while just 15 per cent said a good school would be their priority, according to the study by Royal Mail Redirections.

For women, the opposite was true with one quarter (25 per cent) choosing a school over a good local pub (12 per cent).

Brushing off the backdrop of the economic downturn, people in the North West of England are currently considering getting on the move again, with only 44% ruling out the prospect of leaving their current home, against a national average of 40%. The study also reveals the average adult has moved five times since the age of 18.

However when it comes to choosing the ideal area for a new home, the emotional pull of family is not as strong as the love for our motors. Asked to select the most important factor in choosing a new home, almost one third of all North West adults rated the luxury of their own car parking space (31%) as preferable to living near family with only 18 per cent identifying their relatives as a major pull.

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. Over one fifth (21%) of 18-24 year olds named being near family as their biggest consideration, the highest of any age group, with just 12 % of 35-44 year olds so inclined.

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. One in ten (10%) North West adults stated that they would not wish to move their pets to an unfamiliar neighbourhood against a national average of 7%, whilst one third (31 per cent) are concerned about the financial issues associated with moving, less than the national average of 39%.
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 of the North West population rate being near green space as one of the most important consideration for a new area (49 per cent). The countryside wins over urban areas as 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 on a national level, whilst 35% North West adults are more loyal to their supermarket
• Despite more pressures on the nation to keep fit, only five 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 North West adults (20 per cent) want to upgrade to a larger home 
• Two thirds desire two (27 per cent) or three (41 per cent) bedrooms, with just one per cent looking for more than six
• Whilst the living room is the most important room for 38 per cent, what’s outside is given similar priority. 41 per cent of North West adults believe that the garden is a crucial to choosing a new house and nearly one third would prefer their own car parking space (31 per cent)

Everybody needs good neighbours 

• Our immediate neighbours are a huge concern when moving into a new area. Over one quarter of people in the North West (29 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 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.”