Pregnancy brand, Emma’s Diary, finds that 39% of pregnant women and new families in the UK move while pregnant or trying for a baby.
New research with 4,269 parents and mums-to-be in the UK, carried out by Emma’s Diary, showed that 38% of families who moved while expecting a child cited outgrowing their existing property as the main reason to relocate. 61% of those wanting to move, want to purchase a property, 34% of renters want to buy, and 27% of homeowners want to move.
The desire to live in a family friendly area also far outweighed other considerations when choosing a new house, including parking, a large garden or the room to extend. The usual consideration of school catchment areas when choosing a location, has also become less important recently.
The research revealed that the most important factor in choosing a family home is now cited as being in a safe area and close to family and friends, with six out of 10 agreeing this is essential
Faye Mingo, chief marketing officer, Emma’s Diary, commented: “If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything over the past year, it’s the value of spending time with extended family and friends, perhaps an activity previously taken for granted.
“Social restrictions have meant that children have been unable to visit grandparents; parents have been working from home as offices are shut, and leisure facilities are closed. The rise in at-home offices can be linked to a reduced desire for good commuter routes, so quite possibly what is deemed important now, is perhaps different to pre-pandemic times.”
