The profile of UK homemovers is undergoing a structural shift, with single owner-occupiers emerging as a key growth segment. New analysis by TwentyCi, conducted for Hillarys, shows single movers have increased by 15.6% over the past decade, while the share of married movers has declined by 22.6%.
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This trend reflects broader demographic changes, supported by data from the Office for National Statistics, which indicates that single-person households have risen to 8.4 million in 2024, up from 7.6 million in 2014. More than half of these individuals are aged 65 and over, highlighting the role of an ageing population in reshaping the housing market.
The typical homemover has also shifted in age. While 30–39-year-olds once dominated, the 50–59 age group now represents the largest segment, with single buyers in this category expanding at a faster rate than married counterparts.
Spending behaviour is evolving alongside this demographic change. Single movers aged 50–59 purchase homes at an average of £289,600, significantly lower than the £427,200 spent by married couples, suggesting a trend towards downsizing and lower-maintenance living. This group is often equity-rich and less driven by necessity, prioritising quality, design and personalisation over volume purchases.
For the furniture and interiors sector, this signals a shift away from traditional family-focused retail models. With homemovers contributing an estimated £21.4 billion annually to the UK economy, brands are increasingly required to adapt to a consumer base that values curated, design-led investments over large-scale furnishing.
Source: www.bigfurnituregroup.com
