Increasing Number of People Moving to Norfolk

Over the years, it seems as though moving to a rural destination has become a more popular choice for many Britons.  For example, a DEFRA report discovered that between the years 2009 and 2011, a total of 102,000 people relocated to more rural areas.  This trend has continued in the past couple of years, with more people recognising that they can get a much better standard of living in rural areas like Norfolk.

So where are people relocating from?  Abel Homes managing director Tony Abel says that his firm’s statistics indicate a trend.  “We find that many of our customers who are buying one of our new homes in Norfolk are relocating from places like Essex, London and the Midlands, in search for a better lifestyle, away from the city.”

A major reason why many are moving out of London is simply because they can’t afford the high living costs and dramatic rise in house prices. The average house price in the capital is now a staggering £458,000; private rents are almost double those in the rest of the country, with landlords typically asking £1,211 a month for one-bedroom flats and £1,605 for a two-bed flat.  People are realising that they can get much more for their money outside of the capital, with the average house price in the East being £194,000 cheaper.

A whole range of people across the demographic spectrum are choosing to move to Norfolk.  Traditionally the county is well known to be a destination for retirees.  Estimates for mid-2012 confirm that Norfolk’s population has a much older age profile than England as a whole – 22 per cent of Norfolk’s population in 2012 were ages 65 and over, compared with just 16.9 per cent across the country.

This trend is reflected amongst a section of Abel Homes customers, with a significant group looking for a new home in which to spend their retirement.  Ten years ago, such buyers may not have considered a new build and perhaps would have searched for period charm; however, people’s priorities have changed, and many are looking for a home that will require very little maintenance, where they have the option to personalise it whilst it is being built, and which will keep them warmer in the winter without being faced with large energy bills.

However, it is not just retirees who are moving to Norfolk.  The county is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for families and young professionals.  Tony Abel comments, “Many of our customers who are moving to Norfolk have young children and are looking for a family home with a sizeable garden, located in an area with good schools available.”

Norfolk is even becoming a popular second home for many celebrities.  The Royal family, Amanda Holden, John Hurt, Bill Bryson and Stephen Fry are just some examples.

So why is Norfolk such a popular destination?  It was voted number one for Britain’s 20 classiest counties and rightfully so.  The county has plenty to offer that satisfies a whole range of people: a lively city centre in Norwich to entertain the young professionals, beautiful coastlines, the Broads, music festivals, and endless days out – the county has everything one may need at reasonable prices for all demographics.