Moving house can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly if you’re relocating to the UK from overseas. Not only can it be time-consuming, but it can also be costly. This leads to the question of why so many people go to the trouble of relocating, unless they absolutely must.
Plenty of people certainly do move to the UK every year. In fact, in the year ending March 2020, an incredible 715,000 people migrated into the UK, according to statistics from the House of Commons Library. The main reasons include coming to the UK to study, a new job, or moving here because they want a major lifestyle change.
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While the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns largely prevented people from moving during the past 18 months, now that many restrictions have been lifted, numbers may start to increase again.
- Education
According to the House of Commons’ report, the top reason for people relocating to the UK is to study here. In the 12 months ending March 2020, 36% of immigrants said the reason they had moved was to begin a course of formal studies in Britain, often at an institute of higher education. Families will also consider moving to the catchment area of a good school for their children. This is a high priority for parents, who will relocate to ensure their child receives the best education.
- New job
The second most popular reason for relocating to the UK is a new job, with 32% of respondents to a government survey saying this is the reason they have moved. A new job can be a big upheaval, but worth the move if it has a good salary, or its your dream job.
- Lifestyle changes
Some simply fancy a change of lifestyle and scenery, such as those who may have emigrated in their younger days but want to relocate back to the UK. They may be feeling unsettled in their present home or looking for a fresh start. This can spur them into uprooting to a different location, whether they fancy the bright lights of the city, or a quiet rural village.
- To be nearer to family
Many people move to live closer to their family, which is very important, particularly after the Covid-19 restrictions prevented travel for long periods. Living near family can be one of the key reasons people move house. Today’s family units often extend to several generations, so grandparents want to be nearer to their children and grandchildren.
- Extra space
First-time buyers in particular often outgrow their starter home quickly, as they have started very small to get their foot on the property ladder. When they outgrow their first home and decide to upgrade to a larger house, especially if they plan to start a family, this can be a good time to relocate.
- Empty nest
When the children have grown up and left the family home, many couples choose to downsize to a smaller home. Suddenly, they don’t need all the extra space any more. This can be a good reason to relocate – perhaps even to live closer to the adult children who have left home.
- Upgrading
A simple desire to upgrade to a bigger, more desirable home is a common reason why people relocate. It can be a tough decision whether to improve your existing property, or move house instead. When you become restless, you may feel like doing some home improvements, but if you’re worried it will be a lot of hassle, it may be easier and cheaper to move to a more desirable property.
- Relationships
Meeting a new partner and choosing to move in with them is a typical reason for relocating. In today’s climate of meeting people online, there’s every chance you’ll meet someone in another country. According to research, people move in with a new partner, on average, seven months after meeting. Relocating to the UK because a new relationship is developing is a significant stage in the relationship. Unfortunately, the break-up of a relationship is a common reason for a move too.
- Household costs
A reduction in income or a need to save money persuades some people to relocate to a home that is cheaper to run. According to Age UK, older people who have reached retirement age living overseas often return to the UK to apply for means-tested state benefits, such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, to help with the costs of living.
- Surrounding area
People may choose to move because the neighbourhood around their current home has deteriorated in terms of social, economic or physical reasons. They may relocate back to the UK because they are no longer comfortable in their current surroundings.
Relocation services
If you’re relocating to the UK for work, visiting for a short period, or waiting for your furniture to arrive from overseas, then Furniture Rental Online can help with our professional relocation furniture rental services.
We are here to assist individuals who are moving to the UK from abroad, or relocation agents whose clients are relocating from overseas. There’s no better way to speed up the transition, reduce costs and get settled faster – not to mention reduce stress! Simply call our expert team for help.
Please contact us today for further information.