Moving is a huge step in all of our lives. Whether it’s the day we left for university, or the moment we finally placed a deposit on a new house, there's a myriad of memories associated with the properties we call homes.

At GetAgent, our priority is making the lives of home sellers and homebuyers easier and more manageable. We did some research into the top 10 reasons why people are currently moving home. If you’re moving and your circumstances match, our advice will hopefully make the process a little brighter.

## Top 10 reasons people move home

1. To upgrade the home
2. Due to work
3. Relationship changes
4. Children moving away
5. To be closer to catchment areas for schools
6. To live closer to family
7. Loss of someone close
8. Changes to the surrounding areas
9. Cost of living changes
10. Change in requirements due to lockdown 

### To upgrade the home

More space, greater facilities and an altogether better home environment - these are the reasons we often upgrade to a larger, more ideal property.

**But what are the general precursors to an upgrade?**

Restlessness with your current living situation is often a big sign you’re ready to move on. But sometimes, you don’t need to search your feelings for a sign. If you or your partner are expecting, you’ll likely need more space to accommodate little ones.

**What to look for if you’re thinking of an upgrade**

If you’re ready to move out, think about the things that make you unhappy about your current living situation. If you’re someone who makes lists, you could tally up the things that irk you the most. For example, your current kitchen area might be too small, or prone to smells and odours (crumbs falling through awkward spaces between countertops). Naturally, you’ll want your next house to have a larger, more refined kitchen area.

To make things easier, we’ve written a list of some of the things you should look out for when buying a house. Rather than making additional changes to your house, this list details features that are best found in your initial house search. It can be expensive (and a real slog) to make room for any of the features below once you’ve settled.

* Do you have enough storage space?
* Are there enough bedrooms for kids and guests?
* Is the kitchen enjoyable to use?
* Do you have enough space for hosting guests?
* Does the garden space meet your needs?
* Do you have space for a home office?
* Are there enough bathrooms and toilets?

**What to look for if you’re expecting children**

* While not a must, good garden spaces are often cited as highly beneficial to a child’s development. Experiencing the natural world from the safety of their home is something they will remember forever.
* You should also ensure there is suitable space for a pram in the hallway or living areas. Prams are larger than you think.
* Make sure the stairs are safe and accommodate children. Hard wooden steps are more likely to cause injury. Stairs with carpets ripped out are prone to nails poking through.

### Due to work

A new job in a totally different area is another reason people choose to move house. Some people decide to stay in the same area, but move to a bigger house because their new salary allows them to. However, losing a job inevitably forces some people to downgrade and move to greener, more financially secure surroundings.

**What to look for if you’re moving with work**

If you’re moving to a new city, and you’re just renting, you should stay somewhere comfortable for the first six months. While you should be comfortable wherever you live, what we mean is an initial flat or apartment slightly above budget. Living in a nice area where you don’t have to worry about walking home late at night, or anything home-related for that matter, will give you an opportunity to explore and make new friends.

If you’re moving to a new city, and you’re buying a new house, it’s really important to pick somewhere that appeals to your sensibilities. If you’re an outgoing person who loves the buzz and the noise, moving closer to the city centre has its benefits. You’ll have a finger on the pulse, never being far from festivals and events. If you’re someone who enjoys their downtime, a leafy suburb with direct transport links to the city centre might be more suitable. Of course, your financial circumstances will limit the extent of your choice.

### Relationship changes

Buying a house with a partner is a natural step in a relationship. It’s also an extremely big step, which means it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Depending on finances, your house options will be limited - this is especially the case for first-time buyers. 

**The biggest problem for first-time buyers**

One of the biggest problems facing first-time buyers is saving for the initial mortgage deposit, which is usually five to 10 percent of the property purchase price. This can feel like a mountain to climb, but there’s ways you can make the saving easier.

**How to save for your first house**

One of the best ways to save for your first house is by hiring a financial advisor. Financial advisors create a savings plan by taking stock of all your ingoings and outgoings. Their rates are expensive, but they can save you thousands and thousands of pounds in the long run.

Another good way to save is by working out your future monthly mortgage repayments. Like rent, your repayments come out of your account once a month. Repayments are based on the mortgage amount and interest rate. The more expensive your property and interest rate, the more you’ll have to pay back each month. A good base for monthly repayments is choosing a mortgage package that lets you pay the same amount you usually pay for rent. Once you know your monthly repayments, you can save accordingly. 

**If you’re moving out as a result of a break-up**

Break-ups are never easy, especially if you’re married and you own a house together. One way or another, someone usually has to move out. If that person is you, remember:

* It helps if you can work out an arrangement whereby you stay and save up for a month or two. This will allow you to afford a deposit and rent for temporary accommodation.
* Don’t be afraid to rely upon your friends and family to help you out in this difficult period. That’s what they’re there for.
* If you’re married, at some point you will need to consult with a solicitor to work out future arrangements.

### Children moving away

Another reason why people decide to move is their children moving away. While our homes often predate the arrival of children, our property choices are often made in anticipation of them. That means, as you reach the twilight of your years, you stand to make another property choice - one that caters to you and not your children.

**Why do parents move when their children move out?**

Parents often downsize to smaller properties once their children move out. There’s a number of reasons why:

* To make money

Downsizing to a smaller property gives you a chance to make some money. If you bought your home 20 years ago, it’s likely to be worth much more in today’s market. Buying a smaller, less expensive home will leave you with a decent profit from the sale.

* To save money

Similarly, downsizing can save you money on taxes, insurance and maintenance. With less taxes to pay, you can afford to do more leisure activities and holidays.

* To move to a more desirable location

Many parents choose to relocate to rural areas as they no longer have to cater to their kid’s educational needs (school catchment areas, shorter commutes).

**If your children have moved out…**

Think of destinations where you and your partner would like to move to (if you’re considering moving at all). Consider:

* How far you’ll be from your children when they have kids of their own
* Whether you’d like to spend your retirement travelling
* How much you’re likely to leave your children in terms of inheritance

### To be closer to catchment areas for schools

Parents often move to areas that allow their children to get into certain schools. Many secondary schools utilise a catchment area system that prioritises local children for spaces in their first year group.

If you’re planning on moving for your children’s educational needs, it’s useful to learn about the different types of catchment areas widely used in England:

**Straight line distance catchment area**

This is a circular radius around a school that changes year to year. The size of the circle is determined by the furthest distance a child from the previous year was offered a place.

**Walking distance catchment area**

This area is calculated by the network of roads and paths that surround the school, as well as the furthest distance a child from the previous year was offered a place.

**Priority admission catchment area**

Schools with priority admissions prioritise applicants from a fixed geographical area before considering applicants from outside it.

### To live closer to family

Whether you’re a grandparent moving closer to their grandchildren, or you’re a son or daughter moving closer to their parents, our families play a huge role in where we choose to live.

There’s little in the way of advice for a motive like this, as the decision to move closer to family is a personal one. Just make sure to prioritise yourself as well as your family. Moving house can be a mammoth task, so it’s best to move only if you’re confident in your choice. You will likely have to live in your new house for a while. Equally, you should ensure your job prospects (whether secured or yet to be) are not limited by your move.

### Loss of someone close

Loss is a tragic, but common reason for moving house. Associated memories with the property or area can prove too painful, and new surroundings are required to start the healing process. 

Again, this is a personal decision, and one you probably won’t make lightly. It goes without saying that discussion with friends and family can go a long way in helping you make the right choice. 

### Changes to the surrounding areas

Environments are fluid and neighborhoods can take a turn for the worse, whether for economic, social or physical reasons. Rising crime rates can be a big stimulus for people wishing to relocate, especially if they frequently experience crime during everyday life. Unfortunately, areas with low crime are often subject to higher house prices, so it can be a tough transition to make financially.

If you’re curious about crime rates in your local area, you can find out more by using the [Numbeo Crime Index](https://www.numbeo.com/crime/region_rankings.jsp?title=2021-mid&region=150).

Wherever you live, it's likely your area will experience several planning decisions flagged by the local council. Some decisions, like a neighbour deciding to convert their loft, are likely to have little long-term effect on your everyday life. Others, can have drastic consequences. You can find out more about these decisions on your [local council website](https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council).

### Cost of living changes

Your standards of living can change if things get more expensive in your local area. While unfortunate, it’s not uncommon for people to move somewhere cheaper after years of living below the margin. The costs of bills, insurance, and local amenities vary from region to region, and there’s no shame in moving somewhere where these things are cheaper. Sometimes it pays to move homes, especially if your quality of life increases as a result.

### Changes in requirements due to lockdown

Last, but probably most relevant, lockdowns resulting from the Covid 19 Pandemic have played a huge role in many homeowner’s decisions to sell up and move house. 

Being stuck inside for months on end will inevitably make you reevaluate your current living situation. Need for greater space and home facilities have driven many homeowners to take advantage of the current seller’s market. Indeed, [research conducted by Rightmove](https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/escape-to-the-country) in the summer of 2020 found that enquiries from city residents about rural homes rose by over 126% in June and July versus the previous year. 

**What is a sellers’ market?**

A seller’s market is a market that currently favours sellers. The UK property market is **currently a seller’s market**. As of October 2021, the [UK House Price Index](https://landregistry.data.gov.uk/app/ukhpi/) states the average house in the UK is worth £268,349. If figures from Halifax are to be believed, house prices this November were nearly 10% higher than they were a year ago.

All this means **your house is likely worth more than it ever has been**. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and the seller’s market is likely to diminish in 2022 with the [advent of higher interest rates](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59682521).

If you’re thinking about selling, our free tools are here to help. If you want a quick valuation, our [Online Valuation Tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/online-valuation) takes just a few minutes to provide an estimate of your property’s value.

While our Valuation Tool is one of the most accurate available, no online house price calculator compares to an in-person valuation from a reliable estate agent. That’s why our free [Agent Comparison Tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) uses data from the Land Registry and property portals to rank your best local agents according to:

* The fastest to sell
* The most likely to achieve your asking price
* The most experienced in selling properties like yours


An old picturesque house with a yellow door with ivy running down it.

Why do people move home

We did some research into the top 10 reasons why people are currently moving home. If you’re moving, our advice will hopefully make the process a little brighter.

Why do people move? Top 10 reasons for relocation

Why do people move?

The average UK house price was £264,000 in August 2021, 10.6% higher than in summer 2020. The post-pandemic house market is booming, but the higher the house prices, the higher the fees you'll be paying to an estate agent as they tend to take a percentage of the sale price.

So how can you save some cash on the fees you'll be paying? Will estate agents negotiate on their costs, so you can take home as much as possible when selling your property? Keep reading to find out more.

## Is it possible to haggle estate agent fees?

The simple answer is yes: it is entirely possible to negotiate on estate agent fees, so it's worth haggling and finding out what wiggle room different agents have so that you can get the best deal possible for your sale. 

The percentage of the house sale that the agent takes as a fee will likely be negotiable, although some high street agents may have fixed costs that they cannot change. The non-negotiable part of the fees will be VAT. The agents should include the 20% added VAT in the quote you receive but always double-check so there are no surprise costs later.

## How to negotiate estate agent fees

Here are some steps on how you can start to haggle down the fees your estate agent has quoted.

### 1: Find out their opening offer

Ask around some local or online estate agents to find out their basic commission fees and if there is scope for negotiation. You should also try to find out what the average in your area is (for example, you'll pay more in London, as standard). We have covered [how much estate agents charge per city here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/research/how-much-are-estate-agent-fees). You can also see the average fee on all our areas pages, and a breakdown of [estate agent fees here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/estate-agent-fees).

Find out what you're getting for the money. Usually, estate agent fees will include:

* Listing the property and marketing
* Taking photographs and drawing up floor plans
* Putting up a ‘For Sale’ sign
* Arranging viewings and accompanying potential buyers to viewings
* Negotiating with potential buyers, solicitors, and surveyors to progress the sale

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### 2: Find out how low they will go

Start a discussion about the leeway they have with their fees after the agent has seen your property. Once they've seen the home, they'll have a better idea of how quickly it will sell. If you wait until after the valuation, they'll know how much you'll be likely to get in the current market. 

Once the estate agent has these two pieces of information, they may be willing to talk about their rate. This is because they'll be able to factor in the effort it will take from them to sell the property and if you're likely to get much more than the asking price based on demand. 

### 3: Call their bluff

If you've gathered quotes from a few estate agents, you can start to negotiate by using these quotes to your benefit. If you're brazen enough, you could bluff about receiving other 'lower rates', regardless of whether you’ve actually gotten any.

If your preferred estate agent doesn't budge, let them know that competitors will go lower. Play the estate agents against each other by mentioning the lower rates that other companies have offered you. But tell your preferred firm that you prefer the services they'd be able to provide you with — ask them if they can match the lower rate because you want to give them the business.

### 4: Negotiate a sliding scale 

Another way to negotiate a better deal for yourself is to ask if the estate agent will agree to a sliding scale rate. For example, if they sell the house over the asking price and within the contracted time limit (say, eight weeks), they will receive 1.2%. If they take longer or sell for only the asking, their rate would be 1%. If they receive offers under the asking price, they'll be paid 0.8%. 

This is just an example of how a sliding scale could work, but it means the firm will nip any low offers in the bud and seek out the higher paying buyers since the rate is directly affected. All estate agents will work hard to find you the best deal, but it won't usually affect how much they make. Using their rate to benefit you both could help you secure a better deal or a faster one if your contract length is shorter.

__See how long your house should take to sell in the current market:__
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## Can you haggle with fixed fee estate agents? 

Chains of estate agents (such as recognisable high street names) may not barter on their terms, as it will be fixed across the company. It's always worth asking if they'll offer the sliding scale terms, but it may not be up to the agents in-store, and the fees could be decided by higher management.

## Can you haggle with online estate agents?

[Online estate agents](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/online-agents) are more likely than local firms to have fixed fees that are non-negotiable. However, you may often have to pay upfront if selling purely online, so be wary of the terms you agree to if it's a cheaper deal. 

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## Can you refuse to pay estate agent fees?

You can refuse to pay estate agent fees, but only if they do not equip you with the 'pre-contract information' before you sign the contract with them. In this circumstance, you can refuse to pay because the firm will have fallen short of the law by not giving you the information beforehand. 

They can still request a court order for you to pay anyway — but the court may not require you to pay the total amount back if the estate agent is found to have been negligent.

If you have to withdraw from the sale in any way, you will still have to pay some of the fees, as the agents have kept good on their side of the contract. You'll pay them to cover any advertising costs or expenses the agents have already incurred. 

## What should I expect to pay an estate agent?

Estate agents will charge a percentage fee based on the amount your home sells for. The percentage can be anywhere between 0.75% and 3.0%, and you will add VAT on top. 

According to [our latest study](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/research/how-much-are-estate-agent-fees), the most recent figures state the average estate agent fee for a sole agency contract at 1.18%. After adding VAT, that's 1.42%. For example, if your home sells for the average UK price of £264,000, you'll be paying the agent £3,748.80. Always check this fee includes other services so that any bonus costs do not hit you after you agree to this percentage.

people shaking hands after a deal

Can you negotiate on fees and how can you get the best deal.Find out how to negotiate and haggle their percentage down with GetAgent

How to negotiate estate agent fees

Can you negotiate estate agent fees? Simply put, yes. So how much should you pay an estate agent to sell your home? Find out how to negotiate and haggle their percentage down with GetAgent

If you're moving into a care home or have other care requirements, you might be wondering whether you'll need to sell your house to pay for your care. Of course, selling isn't the only option, and many may want to avoid it, but this article will discuss what you need to know when paying for care.

## How much are residential care costs?

The [average weekly cost](https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/care-home-fees-and-costs-how-much-do-you-pay) of residential care in the UK is __£704__, and nursing care costs roughly £888 a week. Care fees annually equate to around __£30-40,000 per year__, so how would you pay for this (rather expensive) total?

## Do I have to sell my home to pay for residential care?

No - you don't have to sell your home. You could use savings and private pensions to pay care fees, but if those are not an option, you may have to sell your home — as long as you have no other dependants still living there.

## Can you avoid selling your house to pay for care?

Yes you can, if you have a dependant person that will continue living in the home after you move into a care facility, then you can access support in order to pay for the care. You __can't be forced to sell the home__ in order to pay for care as the dependant individual will have a right to stay there indefinitely, as long as they are one of the following qualifying people:

* Your spouse or partner (you do not need to be married)
* A relative over 60 (or incapacitated)
* A relative under 16 that you are legally responsible for

## 5 Other ways to avoid selling your home to pay for care

Other payment sources might help you to pay for care, depending on your circumstances. However, bear in mind that if you receive means-tested benefits, then selling your home or entering into any of the following arrangements could affect your eligibility to receive the benefits.

### Deferred payment agreements

If you are unable or don't want to sell your property while you are still alive, you could ask your local council about a deferred payment agreement. This agreement is where the council pays care home fees and reclaims the money from the eventual property sale (either before or after your death).

Deferred payment agreements will be an option if:

* Your needs have been assessed and healthcare workers have concluded that you need to be in a care home.
* You have savings/personal assets under £23,250 (not including the house value).
* You are not currently in a 12-week disregard period (which we will look at in more detail later).

### Bridging loans

Councils may offer short term deferred payment agreements to act as bridging loans. They will loan you money in monthly instalments to allow you to pay for care and then collect repayment upon the eventual sale of the house.

### Payment plans

Immediate Needs Annuity or deferred care fee payment plans act like insurance policies, where you pay a lump sum investment for a regular contribution to care costs.

### Equity release

You could also consider equity release, which is a way to access cash from the value of your home without having to sell it. There are disadvantages to this, so you should seek independent financial advice. 

### Renting out your home

You might decide to rent out your home and use the income to pay your care home fees. However, rental income is taxable, so you'll also have to manage tax and other [responsibilities as a landlord](https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property). 

## What are the thresholds for receiving financial help with care costs?

Local authorities will assess your financial situation to see if you qualify for help with your care costs. This is called a means test.

__If you live alone__, then your total assets will include the value of your home in your assessment. However, __if you have dependents__ who will remain in the house, then your home won’t be included as an asset.

If your assets (savings, other income etc.) are below the lower thresholds in the table below, based on where you live, then you will be entitled to maximum care fees (these are not unlimited but will provide adequate standards of care). Those with assets above the top end of the thresholds will not receive any support. Any people who fall in between will receive financial assistance accordingly. The thresholds for receiving financial help with care costs are as follows:

| Country          | Lower Threshold            | Upper Threshold                   |
| ---------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| England          | £14,250                    | £23,250                           |
| Scotland         | £18,000                    | £28,500                           |
| Northern Ireland | £14,250                    | £23,250                           |
| Wales            | £24,000 (for care at home) | £50,000 (for care in a care home) |

The government has announced that they plan to make social care changes, but as of November 2021, this information is up to date.

## What is the 12-week property disregard?

What if you choose to sell your home to be able to move into a care facility permanently, and you're not paying for your own care? In that case, the council must not include your home's value in your financial assessment for the first 12 weeks after you move to give you time to sell your property or arrange other options as mentioned above, this is known as the 12-week property disregard.

You can still get financial support from the council in this time period, and when the 12 weeks are up, the council will review your finances. The local authorities will then include the value of your home in the financial assessment, so you'll need to plan for when this disregard period ends.

## Can I gift my assets or transfer ownership to avoid care fees?

You cannot and should not gift assets or transfer ownership in order to avoid care fees. Any gifting of savings or transfers of ownership shortly before you go into care will be seen as a ‘deliberate deprivation of assets’, and the local authorities will still include the cash values in your means test. Unless the gift or transfer was made several years previous or over a long period of time, then it will not be a useful strategy to reduce your assets.

## How do you sell a house if the owner has dementia?

To make legal and financial decisions on behalf of someone who has dementia, you will need to:

1. Seek a Lasting Power of Attorney 
2. Have this registered, in order to sell the house without the owner's involvement.  

## Summary

If you do decide to sell or need support with your options, Get Agent can find the right estate agent. By comparing data from thousands of sales in your area, we can match you with the agents that best fit your needs. Once you've looked at the prices, their performance information and chosen the right individual for you, you'll be able to monitor the progress of your sale using our online tools. You'll have complete visibility of your transaction at the click of a button.

Join the 200,000 people we've helped already and find out more about how GetAgent can support you in your property journey [here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/).

old people outside a house with their grandkids

What are your options when you might need to pay for residential care? We covers  everything you need to know in this guide to care costs.

How to avoid selling your house to pay for care

What are your options when you might need to pay for residential care? We covers
 everything you need to know in this guide to care costs.

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