Most Buyers Don’t Move Far — So Why Are We Marketing Homes Nationally?
How far did you move the last time you bought a property, chances are… it wasn’t far?
Research based on Experian data and Office for National Statistics figures reveals something the property industry rarely talks about:
Around half of all moves happen within just three miles. Let that sink in. Not 30 miles. Not across the country just 3 miles.
The Local Market Is the Real Market
26% of moves happen within just one mile
Only 7% of people move more than 50 miles
In parts of the North, 57% of moves are within three miles
The vast majority of buyers already live close by they’re on social media more than National Portals.
Even estate agents are not happy with the National Portals, many are taking the portals to task.
Here’s the reality… Most agents still end up sharing their properties on social media into property groups, instinctively, they know the buyer is likely already nearby.
Are you or your family on social media?
At ListedByOwners, we’ve built a model around this simple truth
Start with the local market first.
Before committing to high commissions and national exposure, sellers can:
Present their property professionally
Reach local buyers directly
Retain control of the process
And if needed, they can still bring in agents later — but from a position of strength.
Not Just About Saving Money, yes, avoiding large commissions can save thousands, but the more interesting opportunity is what happens next.
Through our Homes That Help initiative, many sellers choose to donate part of those savings to charities that matter to them from local hospices to organisations supporting vulnerable communities.
A simple change in how homes are sold becomes a new source of funding for good causes.
No marathons.
No fundraising events.
Just a smarter way of doing something people already do.
Who Moves Further — And Why It Matters
Of course, not everyone stays local.
The data shows:
More affluent households tend to move further
London buyers often relocate across boroughs
Lifestyle changes (especially post-Covid) are increasing flexibility but even then, decisions are still driven by:
Work access
Community
Schools
Familiarity
How do we reach the right local buyer first?
The property market is evolving, social media, and changing behaviours are quietly reshaping how homes are bought and sold.
Everyday transaction generates meaningful change
Sell your home. Save thousands. Help others.
