In a recent study by Rightmove, Britain’s happiest places to live have been revealed and Hove won fourth place, with an average asking price of £526k. With offices in Hove, estate agents Mishon Mackay has seen a demand for properties within this area in 2021 and looking ahead to 2022.
According to Rightmove, more than two-thirds (69%) of people who moved in the last year, chose to move to a different area. Nearly two-thirds of these people (64%) said they are happier in the area they now live, compared with where they moved from.
Interestingly, the study showed people were more likely to stay in the same type of settlement or make a ‘single stage’ move in the search for happiness.
Rightmove’s report also highlighted that those who lived in a city were more likely to move to a town than a village, and those who lived in a village were more likely to move to a town than a city. This suggests that people find living closer to a city or more urban area attractive, with amenities close by.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data, said: “It’s been an incredibly busy year in the housing market, with a lot of people deciding that now is the right time to move. It is fascinating to see that people who moved in the last 12 months were more likely to be happy in their areas than those who did not.
“Whether it may be a couple looking for a small change in the same area, tenants looking for more space, or a family completely changing their lifestyle and moving from the city to the coast, this has been the year that people have really seized the opportunity to move, and turned ideas into action.”
Since the full stamp duty tax holiday ended in June, Mishon Mackay has seen more sales this year in Brighton and Hove with a 19% increase on last year’s figures.
Alex Mackay, Managing Director at Mishon Mackay said: “Hove has always been a popular region for young professionals, London buyers looking to move out of the hustle and bustle, and families.
“Homebuyers are searching for more space, gardens, and a better quality of life beyond cities after lockdown, and a readjustment with sellers’ price expectations recently has brought investors back into the market with force. Whilst those looking to rent want to be close to a city and have amenities nearby.
“Most of our enquiries are still for this area alone, and we advise those thinking of relocating to Brighton and Hove, to take the plunge now.”
Ian Hart, Chief Operating Officer at Brighton i360, said: “Brighton and Hove is one of the most desirable places to live and work, so it’s not surprising seeing it ranked so highly.
“Due to its idyllic position, with breath-taking views on your doorstep, Brighton and Hove has so much to offer to home hunters. The area boasts beautiful properties with close amenities nearby and a range of unique attractions that would make anyone happy.”
