12 reasons why people don’t move house in 2025
Thinking about moving house but can’t quite take the plunge? You’re not alone. Recent research reveals that almost one-fifth (19%) of UK homeowners wanted to move in the last two years but decided against it. Here are the top 12 reasons why people don’t move house, based on a comprehensive survey by the HomeOwners Alliance.
Why do people want to move house?
There comes a time when you decide that you really want to move home. Perhaps you’ve had enough of renting and really want to step up on the property ladder for the first time. Or maybe your new job means that getting another home nearer to where you’ll be working will significantly reduce the commute time.
Or you’ve got a growing family and simply need space. Or you simply want a change and are looking for a property with more (or less) garden, the home needs to be bigger (or smaller), or you want to get away from traffic to somewhere more tranquil.
There are so many reasons to want to move; but there are just as many reasons that people have for not wanting to move.
The housing market research findings
The HomeOwners Alliance, the champion of current and would-be homeowners, has analysed the results of a recent Opinium research poll – and the results make interesting but perhaps unsurprising reading.
The key point that the research poll results showed is that it isn’t any one straw that broke the camel’s back – it was an accumulation of a number of factors that had forced their decision.
Top 12 reasons people don’t move house
1. Stress of moving (35%)
The number one reason people avoid moving is the stress and upheaval that inevitably results from the moving process. The entire experience of packing, coordinating removals, and settling into a new area can feel overwhelming.
2. House prices too high (35%)
Equally concerning for potential movers, 35% indicated that the prices for the types of home they wanted to buy were simply too high for them to afford. Rising property values have priced many people out of their desired areas.
3. Moving costs too expensive (28%)
Beyond the purchase price, 28% admitted that they thought all the costs of the moving process were too high. This includes solicitor fees, removal costs, surveys, and other associated expenses.
4. Lack of suitable properties (27%)
A significant 27% said that the choice of properties didn’t fit with what they wanted in a home. The mismatch between available housing stock and buyer needs is a major barrier.
5. Stamp duty costs (24%)
Stamp duty emerged as a major deterrent, with 24% saying the tax was too high. This is exacerbated by the removal of beneficial threshold triggers for first-time buyers.
6. General cost of living (22%)
With inflation affecting household budgets, 22% of respondents suggested that the general cost of living was too high for them to consider moving home.
7. Happy with current home (17%)
Not all reasons are financial – 17% replied that they were simply happy with where they are living now to consider any serious plans to move.
8. Don’t want to leave friends and community (16%)
The importance of social connections came through strongly, with 16% saying that they didn’t want to move away from their circle of friends and community.
9. Economic uncertainty and job security (15%)
With potential extra repayments and other costs, 15% admitted that their concern about job security and the general economy prevented them from deciding to move.
10. Can’t afford deposit (12%)
One of the key problems for anyone seeking a mortgage is finding the money for a deposit, with 12% confirming this as their reason for not moving.
11. Unable to get mortgage (10%)
Even with a deposit, the ability to get a mortgage has prevented moving plans for 10% of respondents.
12. Can’t increase mortgage value (9%)
Another 9% suggested that simply being unable to increase the value of their mortgage was their reason for deciding not to move.
Expert analysis: housing market in crisis
Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, commented:
“Our research reveals a housing market in crisis – not because people don’t want to move, but because they simply can’t afford to. With over 800,000 homeowners shelving their moving plans, we’re seeing families trapped in unsuitable homes, unable to upsize for growing children or downsize as they age.”
Government action needed
Higgins highlighted several areas where government intervention could help:
Stamp duty reform: “Stamp duty is acting as a handbrake on the housing market. When a family faces a £10,000 stamp duty bill just to move to a £400,000 home – before they’ve even paid for surveys, legal fees, and removal costs – it’s no wonder a quarter of potential movers are staying put.”
Better housing mix: “We also need the right mix of homes: Older homeowners need step-free properties, growing families need larger homes, and everyone needs options they can actually afford.”
Streamlined process: “Making the home buying and selling process less of a Russian roulette game and more certain and streamlined would give people the confidence to move.”
Making moving more affordable
If you are thinking of moving or getting your first home, you’ll probably be looking at this list and thinking of how many of the twelve reasons apply to you. While many factors are outside your control, choosing cost-effective legal services can help reduce the financial burden of moving.
Look for conveyancing services that offer fixed-price quotes, transparent disbursement costs, and no completion no fee guarantees to protect against deals falling through.
Call us now on 0800 0387 007 to start your transaction moving today!
