"Whether upsizing or downsizing, many buyers are prepared to relocate significant distances to get what they want"
- Colby Short - GetAgent
Buyers are now moving an average of 52 miles from their previous location, according to new research from GetAgent Exchange, as affordability pressures and lifestyle changes encourage long-distance relocation across the UK. In some regions, the average distance rises to more than 80 miles.
The survey, which focused on homebuyers who completed transactions in the past year, found many are choosing space, value and a slower pace of life over proximity to cities and major towns.
Relocating away from the city was the primary driver for 23% of respondents, while another 23% said they were upsizing to accommodate a growing family.
Although downsizers made up the largest share of recent market activity at 41%, upsizers followed closely at 37%. First-time buyers accounted for 22% of transactions, highlighting the continued impact of mortgage constraints, even as affordability shows slight improvement.
Regionally, buyers in Scotland are moving the furthest, with an average distance of 81 miles. In the South West, the average is 70 miles, suggesting that affordability gaps and lifestyle preferences are encouraging more significant shifts across the property market.
When asked about the most difficult part of the homebuying process, buyers most often pointed to the legal and conveyancing stage. This was followed by challenges in managing the logistics and timelines of their sale and purchase.
Estate agents received largely positive feedback, with 69% of sellers rating their agent as good or excellent. The same percentage of buyers rated the agent they purchased through similarly. However, the findings also suggest room for improvement, with around one-third of participants reporting an average or poor experience.
“With long-distance moves averaging over 50 miles, affordability and lifestyle continue to drive buyers to look further afield for better value and quality of life,” said Colby Short, co-founder and CEO of GetAgent Exchange. “Whether upsizing or downsizing, many buyers are prepared to relocate significant distances to get what they want."
"This makes the agent’s role even more pivotal. From managing longer, more complex chains to providing seamless handovers between buying and selling agents, there’s real value in cross-market collaboration."
"GetAgent Exchange exists to make that connection easier – helping agents support their buyers in selling their existing property, wherever they’re moving from, while also benefiting from referral revenue.”
