A 3rd of UK households to move home as Covid19 set to change where Britons live

MILLIONS of us are set to move home permanently, as a consequence of the Pandemic, citing remote working as the facilitator and quality of life as the ambition, according to new research by property developer Romal Capital.

The national survey of 2,000 households found that 31% are planning to change their living arrangements following successive Lockdowns and remote working experiences. This is a staggering increase as only between 4% to 5% of households, typically, move homes in any given year. The need to move is slightly higher in the 25 to 34 years age category, at 32%, compared to slightly less in those over 60, at 28%. Plus, 20% will have aimed to move within the next 3 months.

The ability to combine working from home and in the office in a hybrid working environment influenced 26% of respondents to consider relocation. Remote working aside, 26% of those surveyed also mentioned the need for suitable jobs in the local area.

"We're seeing a paradigm shift in how this country wants to live and work. Hybrid working options and lifestyle changes are two key elements driving this change in behaviour. Moreover, the temporary stamp duty holiday and the desire to cas -in on significant property price increases in 2021 have also empowered decision making. In fact, in the same period a 16% property price hike in Liverpool alone, underlines this very bullish market. The current UK housing market simply does not match this new reality, and with these changing demands, needs to be a country wide rethink on meeting housing needs." says Romal Capital's CEO Greg Malouf.

While still considering location, 29% said that a good standard of living will be the most important factor in deciding their future location. It seems however people do not want to go completely remote with 23% of respondents citing road networks and connectivity as 2 important criteria, with areas perceived likely to increase in value, at 10%, and locations near Hospitals closely following at 9%.

People ranked Waterfront living, whether by the:- sea, lake or canal, as the top "X-factor" draw for their new living location followed by substantial green spaces and good community feel. Of these, 51% of 35 to 44 year olds selected community feel in contrast to 41% of the over 60's who opted for waterfront living (61%).
 

A 35 year old man has been jailed for 6 months after punching a security guard and assaulting 3 Police Officers, following a British Transport Police investigation. Thomas John Murphy, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to:- assault, criminal damage and 3 counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He was sentenced to 6 months behind bars and ordered to pay a total of ₤150 in compensation by Wirral Magistrates, on Monday, 29 March 2021.

The Court heard how, on Friday, 26 March 2021, an intoxicated Murphy was asked to leave the train by Carlisle Security Officers working for Merseyrail as he was drinking alcohol and became abusive when the Officers told him the booze would need to be confiscated if he wished to continue his journey.

Under the railway byelaw it is illegal to drink alcohol on a Merseyrail service. Murphy lashed out at the Security Guard, punching him directly to the side of his face. British Transport Police Officers attended and arrested Murphy on suspicion of assault. During his arrest Murphy attempted to trip the Officers and became increasingly abusive and threatening and had to be restrained several times.

While being taken into custody, Murphy again became aggressive and abusive, kicking at Officers. In interview he claimed he couldn't remember anything before hitting his head against the wall several times.

Chief inspector Dave Rams said:- "No one deserves to be assaulted or abused while carrying out their job. Murphy was given the choice to either leave the train with the alcohol or give it up and continue his journey. His response was to become abusive and assault one of the Security Officers. He continued his tirade of abuse towards Police Officers before physically assaulting them. Behaviour like this is completely intolerable and we will continue to do everything we can to investigate violent offenders like this and bring them to justice."

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:- "Any sort of abuse directed towards our staff or partners is totally unacceptable and we work hard with the British Transport Police to avoid any instances such as this one. It is an offence to consume alcohol on our trains and this incident shows exactly why this byelaw is in place to protect both our staff and our passengers. I hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to anyone who intends on abusing or assaulting a member of our staff or any of our partners working on the network who work tirelessly to protect those travelling with us."