West Sussex homeowners live in six homes during their lifetime

Homeowners in West Sussex are likely to live in six homes during their life, according to a new survey.

The Barratt Homes study into house moves reveals that the vast majority of the county’s residents were found to be real home-birds - with 31.5 per cent expecting to move home just four to five times in a lifetime.

Looking at the age of respondents, the older they are, the slightly higher (and more accurate) the number, with older people averaging six homes in a lifetime, while younger people anticipate moving four times.

The trend - perhaps surprisingly - goes against the fact the younger generation are perceived as more fluid and transient, the job market more volatile and the world in general ever more travelled and easier to explore.

Of the factors that encourage West Sussex homeowners to find and stay in an area, the main reason is affordability (46.9 per cent), followed by good amenities (46.15 per cent), being close to friends and family (43.85 per cent) and good transport links (40.8 per cent).

Criteria which doesn’t rank so critically includes access to attractions, sports and entertainment (20 per cent) and being close to good schools (25.4 per cent).

Barratt Homes sales director Michelle Storer said: “We can take from this survey that people in West Sussex are generally happy with their homes.

"They choose to stay in the area for reasons such as proximity to work and to services while family and friends play a big factor in their decisions.”

She said the fact that new homes are designed to be flexible and accommodate couples and families at different times of their lives are likely to mean even fewer moves it the future.

For more information about Barratt homes near you, call 0844 5710 385 or visit barratthomes.co.uk