The four most popular places to move to in 2021

There are few activities more enjoyable than looking for homes on the internet. Is there anyone reading this who hasn’t logged onto a property app and said, “Have you seen what we could get for our money there?”

There’s a reason for this: where we live, and what we live in, impacts every part of our life.

When you think about moving house, you’re creating a better version of yourself. A ‘you’ that takes more exercise classes, eats healthier food and sends their kids to better schools … and now has a spare room, at last!

Of course, most of the time the significant move stays in our heads.

However, this year, many of us are seriously considering relocating. Covid-19 has forced us to work from home and in doing so, made us less reliant on the daily commute.

Which means we can think about moving to places that tick more boxes than the one marked ‘Near a station that goes to Waterloo’.

Looking for a bit of inspiration? Here are four UK locations that may tempt to you make that big relocation.

The has-it-all suburb: Altrincham, Greater Manchester

Where is it? Eight miles south-west of Manchester

Why is it popular? Within easy commuting distance of Manchester city centre (for those twice-weekly trips to the office), but with a gentler pace of life. Famed for its sensational Market House food hall and revitalised town centre, The Sunday Times has named it the best place to live in Britain.

What can I get for my money? Seriously big four-bedroom semis and detached houses go for around £500,000. However, there’s plenty of choice under and above this – we’re especially keen on the two-bed terraces that go for around £350,000.

Best for: Urbanites who love city facilities but want a bit of country air too.

The classic country commute: Lightwater, Surrey

Where is it? Deep in the Surrey countryside – but connected to central London by the M3

Why is it popular? A village of 7,000 people, searches for leafy Lightwater have gone up by 130 percent on Right Move since Covid-19 started. There’s not a huge amount to do there, but there is a country park which is great for walks – especially if you’ve got younger kids. The area around the village is beautiful, and there are plenty of places nearby to visit in between video calls with head office.

What can I get for my money? Studio flats range from around £150,000, while £500,000 will get you a two- or three-bedroom semi or cottage.

Best for: People looking to escape the city without totally disconnecting.

The super-chic village: Bruton, Somerset

Where is it? Down in the south-west, though within easy reach of Bath and Bristol

Why is it popular? Ever since Soho House’s Babington House opened, nearby Bruton has proved a magnet for bohemians relocating from London. Even though its population is just 3,000, Bruton is home to the Hauser & Wirth gallery, farm-to-table restaurant, Osip, plus At The Chapel, a hotel that comes with a wine shop and bakery. However, don’t expect too much action – this is still a largely rural community.

What can I get for my money? Grab yourself a three-bedroom house for around £350,000, while a four-bedroom cottage in the town centre is currently for sale at £550,000.

Best for: Country-lovers with city tastes in culture.

The flat-white seaside town: Deal

Where is it? On the east Kent coat, south of Margate

Why is it popular? Over the last decade, seaside towns within easy-ish commuting distance of London have become popular with Londoners looking to get more for their money. While Margate and Whitstable have grabbed the headlines, Deal is the real… er, deal. There’s a pebbly beach, fancy cafes, and thanks to HS1, London St Pancras is only 83 minutes away: ideal for those embracing the post-Covid, flexi-working lifestyle.

What can I get for my money? Period town-centre terraces are £300,000, while a fancy penthouse overlooking the beach nudges £500,000.

Best for: Seaside-loving occasional commuters.