The UK housing and removals market is seeing a significant shift in 2024, with more people leaving city life behind in favour of rural living. The combination of flexible working, rising property costs in urban centres, and the appeal of a better quality of life is driving this migration trend—often referred to as “The Urban Shuffle.”
At Squab Removals, we’ve seen first-hand how this shift is impacting the removals industry. Whether it’s families seeking more space, professionals working remotely, or retirees looking for a peaceful lifestyle, countryside relocations are on the rise. But what’s fuelling this change? Let’s take a closer look at the latest statistics and what they mean for those considering a move.
A Growing Rural Population—But With a Twist
According to the Statistical Digest of Rural England (2025), around 10 million people currently live in rural areas, with net internal migration favouring the countryside—except for the 17-20 age group, who tend to move to urban centres for education and training.
However, the rural population is growing at a slower rate than urban areas, with demographic shifts showing an aging trend. The more rural an area, the older the average population—raising questions about infrastructure, healthcare access, and housing affordability.
Why Are People Leaving the City?
Several factors are contributing to the rise in countryside relocations:
1. Remote Work is Here to Stay
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped work-life balance, and many employees never returned to the traditional office setup. In 2021, an estimated 32% of all workers living in rural areasworked from home—compared to 28% in urban areas. With companies continuing to support flexible working, the appeal of moving further away from city centres remains strong.
2. House Prices and Affordability
According to the English Housing Survey 2023-24, home ownership remains the dominant tenure in the UK, at 65%. However, rising mortgage and rent prices in urban centres have made city living increasingly unaffordable. While average rural property prices are higher, rental costs tend to be lower, making the countryside an attractive option for renters.
3. Quality of Life and Wellbeing
A child born today in a rural area is expected to live longer than one born in a city, according to the Health and Wellbeing Report (2024). Rural residents also rate their wellbeing higher than those in urban areas, although overall wellbeing scores have dropped since the pandemic.
Crime rates are generally lower in rural areas, and community attachment is stronger, making villages and market towns desirable places for families and retirees. However, challenges such as access to healthcare and broadband infrastructure still exist.
4. More Space, Less Stress
For many movers, space is the ultimate luxury. Detached homes and larger properties are more common in rural areas, and the ability to enjoy outdoor activities, own pets, and escape the noise and pollution of the city is a key driver of migration.
Challenges of Rural Relocation
While the countryside offers many benefits, it’s not without its challenges:
What This Means for the UK Removals Industry
At Squab Removals, we’ve seen an increase in countryside relocation requests—whether it’s families moving to the Cotswolds, professionals setting up home offices in Warwickshire, or retirees heading to the coast. Moving to a rural area comes with unique logistics, such as navigating narrow country lanes, ensuring fragile items are transported safely over longer distances, and coordinating access for larger removals vehicles.
Thinking of Making the Move? We Can Help.
If you’re considering swapping city life for the countryside, Squab Removals is here to make your transition seamless. With years of experience in rural relocations, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with moving away from urban centres.
Need expert advice or a free quote? Get in touch with us today, and let’s make your countryside dream a reality.
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