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Birmingham top relocation choice for Londoners

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  • 02/12/2013
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More homemovers leaving the capital chose to move to the West Midlands city than anywhere else in 2012.

Of the 250,000 Londoners who left in 2012, Birmingham was the most popular destination, attracting 5,000 relocators, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The West Midlands city was closely followed by Brighton and Hove (4,950), Elmbridge in Surrey (4,420) and Epping Forest in Essex (4,260).

Research carried out by estate agents Hampton International into so-called ‘outmigrators’ showed that the average mover leaving London to buy a property further out is 32 years old and settles an average of just 26 miles away.

Half of the 250,000 Londoners who relocated in 2012 moved to the South East and West.

Parents of young children aged between 30 and 40 are the most likely to move out in search of a change of lifestyle. Children are most likely to be relocated between the ages of one and five, before they start year one of primary school.

The total number of ‘outmigrators’ is increasing in the face of rising house prices – Hamptons predicts that the average property in the capital will increase in value by 32% over the next five years.

It records a total of 106,000 people aged 25 to 44 moving out of London in 2012, 10,000 more than the year before.

Older people are also likely to move out, often retired people cashing in on the increase in the value of their London properties and downsizing to coastal areas.

Hampton’s research also showed that those aged between 19 and 25 are most likely to move to London, usually students relocating to the capital to study and graduates and other young people relocating for work.

People moving into London to buy a property travel furthest at 34 miles, while those seeking a less urban life travel an average of 26 miles. Those who move within greater London travel just 1.3 miles on average when relocating.

By comparison, the average distance homebuyers move in England and Wales is only 2.5 miles. The average hides a wide range – whilst two thirds move less than five miles, 14% move more than 50 miles.

Johnny Morris, head of research at Hamptons International, said:

“London has long been a draw to young people, particularly because of its world class universities, employment opportunities and lure of the bright lights and buzz of an international city.

“It is part of the natural life cycle of the capital that households will move out as their priorities change. Many of those leaving London are in their 30s and 40s, in search of more space and a different lifestyle. These London Leavers aren’t cutting ties with the capital though – the average leaver moves just 26 miles and many will maintain their links with the capital, commuting for work and staying close enough to access to the capital’s amenities and nightlife.

“Interestingly, those choosing to move within the capital typically pick a new home just 1.3 miles away. While this doesn’t sound very far at all, a mile can be worth a lot in London – the difference between St John’s Wood and Kilburn, Chiswick and Acton or Balham and Tooting. Londoners can find a housing market of very different character just streets away.”

Marc Goldberg, head of sales at Hamptons International, added:

“Recently we have seen a distinct increase in the number of Londoners looking to move to the country. In the last three months the number of London buyers registering with our country offices has increased by 12%. As house prices increase at a faster rate in London than anywhere else, Londoners are increasingly waking up to the idea that they can get more value for money outside of the capital.”

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