Home is where the heart is

When deciding whether to move away you often have to balance emotional issues with the practical benefits of moving. It is the emotional attachment that keeps people tied to familiar surroundings and affects any decision about moving home.  

"For many, what prevents a move away is a desire to stay close to their family and friends, but other factors such as having confidence in local schools can also play a part" explains David Henderson from Strutt & Parker's Shrewsbury office. "However, a new career opportunity, moving to be with a partner or access to better schools can persuade people to up sticks" he adds.

Although many buyers consider moving to a new area, factors such as the unfamiliarity of new surroundings or leaving friends and family behind take on greater importance when choosing where to live, often overriding practical considerations such as saving money or developing a career - meaning that many families end up staying put.

It has never been easier to keep in touch with those living further away than it is now. In today's modern, global community, people often travel abroad for holidays or retirement and can communicate instantly with friends and family wherever they are in the world. This coupled with the internet and smartphones making news and information available at the touch of a button makes it surprising just how many people are reluctant to move away from their hometown.

Henderson comments: "We often hear people say they want to stay within 10 miles of where they grew up, which shows that for some, home really is where the heart is. However, it is important to remember that home is also wherever you decide to make it and you should not make a decision about moving away without carefully researching the area and weighing up all the benefits".