Improve or move - what homeowners are doing in 2025

18 September, 2025

Millions of people are upgrading their homes rather than moving. Research from Churchill Home Insurance shows that one in 15 homes in England and Wales, 1,740,402 properties, now have an official Improvement Indicator, which flags major works such as loft conversions or extensions. In 2023 to 2024, a further 103,043 homes were added to the Valuation Office Agency register after significant improvements.

This tells us two things. First, many owners love where they live. Second, moving can feel like a headache. As an estate agency, our job is to make selling simple, calm and worth your while.

Why many owners hesitate to move

Churchill’s research lists the top reasons people stay put.

• 40% worry about the stress of moving such as packing, chains and viewings
  
  

• 32% feel a strong emotional connection to their home
  
  

• 31% do not want to leave their community and neighbourhood
  
  

• 24% mention removal costs
  
  

• 23% mention legal fees
  
  

• 15% worry about uprooting children
  
  

• 10% are focused on schools and catchment areas
  
  

Money matters, but feelings and life admin play a big part too.

When selling can beat renovating

Home improvements can be rewarding, but they are not always the easiest route. You may face planning rules, cost overruns, living with months of disruption, and insurance considerations if the property is left empty during the works. Listed buildings and conservation areas often have extra steps. If your goals include more space, a shorter commute, downsizing, or a new school catchment, a sale may be the better route.

How a Get An Offer agent removes the pressure:

We take the pain points from the research and fix them with practical support.

• Less stress, fewer viewings. We make sure that your daily life is disturbed as little as possible.
  
  

• Chain progression. A dedicated sales progressor keeps buyers, solicitors and lenders moving, with clear updates so you are not chasing for news.
  
  

• Stay local if you wish. Many sellers want to move within the same area. We match you with local buyers and off-market interest from our database.
  
  

• Transparent fees and trusted partners. Clear terms from day one, plus recommendations for conveyancers and removals so you can compare quotes.
  
  

• Family friendly timelines. We can  help line up exchange and completion with school terms and work schedules.
  
  

What your home could be worth

Buyers respond to strong marketing. We combine professional photography, floor plans, accurate pricing using local data, and pre-qualified applicants already looking in your postcode. That means more viewings that count and better offers.

If you have recently considered a loft conversion or extension, it is worth checking today’s value first. In a market where many are improving rather than moving, well presented homes are still in demand, particularly in popular school catchments and walkable neighbourhoods.

Get an offer in three simple steps

1. Request a free valuation, online or by phone
   
   

2. One short visit or virtual appraisal, we confirm price guidance and your preferred timeline
   
   

3. Go live to our buyer list and portals, we handle viewings and negotiate the best offer for you
   
   

Let’s talk:

Call us on 0800 033 75 43 for a friendly chat and a free, no obligation offer estimate, or book your valuation online.