Research published by Zoopla has revealed that more than half of UK homeowners currently live in properties that do not meet their needs.
The survey of 2,400 homeowners also found that people tend to stay in their 'unsuitable' home for an average of 4.4 years after realizing it is no longer suitable for them.
Respondents gave a variety of reasons to explain why relocation took so long, even though they perceived it to be the most prudent or logical choice. The most common issue was one of finances, with the average homeowner claiming they would need an extra £125,000 on top of the current value of their property to buy something more suitable. Almost two in five (39%) cited budget issues as the main barrier.
It is worth noting that another recent survey found that almost half (45%) of homeowners undervalue their property by an average of £46,300. This means that affordability may not be as significant a barrier as initially thought. If you want to know exactly what your home is currently worth, why not schedule a free property appraisal? 
barriers to movement
Financial concerns were not the only reason respondents cited for being hesitant about moving.
More than a quarter (27%) of those surveyed said emotional attachment to the property was the main barrier, and more than half (55%) said their children were “too attached” to the home. ” In fact, more than 1 in 10 (13%) parents said they would be upset if they thought their child would be upset, even if it meant living in a house that was too small, too far from a good school, or otherwise unacceptable. , has confirmed that it will not sell the property. Commuting distance.
Almost the same number (8%) said they could not face leaving their property because they had buried a pet in their garden.
Other emotional reasons for postponing a move include liking the local pub (26%) or coffee shop (21%), with many respondents believing that such establishments offer good food and They point out that it not only serves drinks, but also serves as a place for social interaction. Difficult to replace.
Embracing change, or making the decision to step into the relative unknown, is something most people try to avoid as much as possible, which is another reason why many people put off moving. That's the reason.
Should I stay or leave?
Many people have a fear of change, whether they realize it or not. This has been documented in numerous research papers from reputable outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Inc.
What is perhaps less well known is that many people actually go so far as to say that they hate change. In fact, a majority of Brits (71%) are reluctant to accept “any kind of change” in their lives, despite a similar proportion (68%) believing that fear of change is “irrational”. I admit it's difficult to deal with. '.
Change can be daunting, but it's often necessary. Deciding to take the plunge and move to a property that suits your needs is a big one, but research shows that moving can be completely beneficial and can significantly improve your life satisfaction.
A recent article in The Atlantic highlights the many benefits of moving to a place you love, but a study conducted by Stephen Goetz of Pennsylvania State University found that people spend less time commuting and less happy days. A clear correlation was found between the increase in Moving closer to work can be an effective way to reduce dissatisfaction levels. In fact, research shows that something as simple as biking or walking to work can make people happier and healthier.
Of course, survey results do not necessarily correspond to individual reality. Additionally, as mentioned above, there are many reasons why it may be difficult to sell a property, even if you know that the property is no longer suitable for you or your family. .
At Foxtons, our goal is to make the entire moving process as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, or both, we are committed to fully understanding your requirements and providing a truly valuable service.
If you would like to find out more about how we can help you sell your property, please get in touch. We would be happy to talk to you about the entire process. If you're considering purchasing a new place, take a look at what's currently on the market to get an idea of what's available.
