Across England and Wales, more and more homeowners are choosing to stay put and improve their existing homes rather than go through the stress of moving.
New research from Churchill Home Insurance reveals that over 1.7 million homes now have an official Improvement Indicator, showing they have undergone major upgrades such as loft conversions or extensions.
In the last year alone, over 103,000 properties were added to the Valuation Office Agency’s register after significant improvement works. This shows how common it has become for people to upgrade their current property instead of starting over somewhere new.
| Rank | Factor | Percentage | House Buy Fast solution (how we help) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stress linked to moving (packing, chains, viewings) | 40% | We buy direct for cash, no property chain, no public viewings. A friendly advisor keeps the process simple from offer to completion. |
| 2 | Emotional connection to the home | 32% | Complete on a timeline that suits you. If you need a little extra time to say goodbye or clear the property, we can agree flexible dates. |
| 3 | Leaving a community and neighbourhood you love | 31% | Choose completion to align with new accommodation close by. No chain pressure means you can plan your move locally at your pace. |
| 4 | Removal cost | 24% | No estate agent fees and we cover standard legal costs. With fewer third parties, overall moving spend can be lower. |
| 5 | Conveyancing and legal fees | 23% | We instruct and pay for the basic legal work with our panel solicitors, saving you out-of-pocket costs. |
| 6 | Uprooting or unsettling children | 15% | Pick term-time friendly dates or school holiday completions. |
| 7 | Schools and catchment areas | 10% | Fast completion (from 7 days) helps you secure a new place within the catchment you want without waiting on a chain. |
Source: Churchill Home Insurance research 2025 (England and Wales). One in 15 homes (1,740,402) have an Improvement Indicator. In 2023 to 2024, 103,043 homes were added to the Valuation Office Agency register following significant improvement work.
Why People Are Staying Put
Moving house can be a big upheaval, and it is not surprising that many people would rather avoid it altogether. The research found:
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40% of homeowners say the stress of moving (packing, property chains, and viewings) is the biggest reason they stay
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32% say they have a strong emotional connection to their home
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31% do not want to leave their local community and neighbourhood
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By comparison, only 24% are worried about removal costs and 23% about legal fees
These figures show that for many, moving is not just about money. It is about memories, children’s routines, and the feeling of home that is hard to recreate elsewhere.
As Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said:
Moving can mean leaving behind treasured things like the marks on a doorframe showing a child’s height over the years. It is understandable why so many people prefer to build on what they have rather than start again.
When Improving Is Not the Best Option
While home improvements can be a good solution, they are not always straightforward. You may need planning permission, especially if you live in a listed building or conservation area. There is also the cost, the disruption, and the risk that your insurance cover could be affected if your home is empty for long periods during the work.
For some homeowners, these challenges can feel just as stressful as moving. This is where a quick sale can be a helpful alternative.
How House Buy Fast Can Help
If you are feeling stuck between staying and moving, a quick sale can offer a way forward without the usual stress. At House Buy Fast:
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We buy properties directly, so there is no property chain
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You can complete in as little as 7 days, avoiding long waits and uncertainty
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There are no estate agent fees or hidden costs
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We handle the conveyancing , which removes a major source of worry for sellers
For homeowners who feel emotionally ready to move but are worried about the process, this can be a simple way to start fresh without the pressure that puts so many people off.
Ready to Talk?
If improving your home feels like too much, and you want a faster, smarter way to move on, House Buy Fast can help.
Call us today for a friendly chat and a free, no-obligation quote. We are here to answer your questions and help you find the right solution for your situation.
📞 Call for free: 0800 033 7853