A recent study conducted by Online Mortgage Advisor, analysing historic property ownership data from HM Land Registry over the past three decades, has unveiled insights into the housing landscape in Great Britain. The research reveals that Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland stand out as regions with the highest longevity rates for housing, showcasing a trend of homeowners staying put for extended periods compared to the national average.
The data highlights Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire as the leaders in long-term homeownership, with residents staying in their homes for an average of 9 years and 3 months and 9 years and 2 months, respectively. This longevity surpasses the national average by approximately a year, reflecting a strong attachment to homes in these areas.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Top 3 Longest Tenures in Scotland
- East Dunbartonshire: 9 years, 5 months, 21 days
- Aberdeen City: 9 years, 3 months, 0 days
- Aberdeenshire: 9 years, 2 months, 12 days
This trend contrasts sharply with the study’s broader findings, where Scottish cities dominate the list of places where homeowners stay the least and sell their properties most frequently. The intriguing duality in Scottish housing dynamics warrants further exploration.
The study indicates that, on average, Scottish homeowners tend to move more frequently than their counterparts in England and Wales, with an average tenure length of 8 years and 4 months, which is around two years less than the British average. Orkney Island stands out as the city where homeowners leave their homes and sell their properties the soonest, with an average tenure length of only 7 years, three years less than the national average.
Regional Comparison of Average Tenure Lengths:
- London: 11 years, 3 months, 19 days
- North East: 10 years, 6 months, 7 days
- North West: 10 years, 5 months, 25 days …
- Scotland: 8 years, 4 months, 11 days
Expert commentary from Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of HomeOwners Alliance, and Property Consultant, Matt Lanninge, sheds light on factors contributing to a location’s appeal as a forever home. Both emphasise the importance of the local community, safety, and personal space in decision-making. The majority of long-term homeowners opt for detached houses, indicating a desire for full control and a sense of security.
While the broader Scottish housing landscape suggests a penchant for frequent moves, Aberdeen and the North East defy this trend, emerging as bastions of long-term homeownership. Factors such as community ties, safety, and detached living spaces contribute to the appeal of these areas as ideal places for establishing a forever home.
