We can all agree that the last couple of years has been an experience. It has seen us separated from those we love, locked into neighbourhoods, and opened our eyes to what's important. For many, it has pressed them to make the massive change that is moving house, yet the team at Leslie & Co have found there's been one common denominator when it comes to motivation to move. Yes, some sellers may be looking for more space but what we are told again and again is that location, location, location is more important now than ever before.

Over the years, decades and generations, many things have pulled us apart – a desire to travel, relocating for work, love and lifestyle. As families, we have accepted living miles apart and coming together for celebrations and holidays. Yet the pandemic, as we know, put a halt to all socialising and travel and meant that, instead of weeks, the time between seeing each other in person turned into years. This has been the driving force for some sellers to make the move to be closer to their loved ones. We have met with children taking the huge step to uproot their lives to settle closer to their parents, and parents doing the same to be close to their children and grandchildren. 

This desire for physical closeness is a fierce driver home moving, and also a very emotional one. These sellers are not moving because their house has become too big or too small, or because they have fallen out of love with their property or neighbourhood. The reality of leaving what they love can make these moves difficult, but, ultimately, they know that at the end of it they will finally be in easy distance of what really matters in their lives – those they love.

Cities were the hub where all the action happened and, for many professionals, the only place to be should you wish to climb the career ladder. Now there has been a revolution, a change in perspective, a reality check as it were – a realisation that you really can have a work–life balance. With homeworking continuing for many and employers embracing a more flexible working culture, many sellers are leaving the city life to find their calm amidst the chaos.

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Lockdown rules encouraged us all to get out and exercise, with many walking more than ever before – according to Tom Platt, of The Ramblers Association, 'People say they will continue to walk more when the Covid restrictions have ended.' It is therefore no surprise that we have found that many sellers are seeking a new home close to walking trails. Whether these sellers are heading for the hills or the beach, they are seeking a lifestyle that is in complete contrast to what they had been living before.

Rediscovering the beauty on our doorsteps

When you are not allowed to travel out of your local neighbourhood, it is amazing how much you discover is available on your doorstep. It's as though your eyes have been opened to a new world, and the streets you once raced down, you now wander and take in slowly, seeing what each store has to offer and what's at the end of that path. If you're house no longer fits, once you have rediscovered the beauty on your doorstop, you may wish a new home but not a new location.

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The Leslie & Co team love meeting sellers who have been reawakened to their little piece of Ealing during the last couple of years, and although they feel they are ready to move home for one reason or another, there is one area of their search they will not compromise on, and that is the location. They have fallen in love with where they live again, and we just love helping them find a buyer who feels exactly the same.

Understanding why you wish to move is crucial if we are to provide you with the finest service. We can ensure that your location-dictated move becomes a reality and works with the timescale you have in mind. If you're motivated to sell because of location, location, location, contact the agent in the best position to sell your home, get in touch with Leslie & Co on 020 3488 6445.