Meet the families moving closer to their loved ones — and how you can do the same in time for Christmas

As Christmas fast approaches, lots of families are preparing to travel the country to spend time with loved ones. But research suggests that more people than ever before are relocating permanently — to be nearer their families all year round, and not just during the festive period.

 A recent study* conducted by Barratt Developments found that an increasing number of people have moved out of their local area post-pandemic — and are now moving further to be near their families. Whilst most still stay in their own community (half move fewer than 5 miles),  they are increasingly moving further afield.

 The study showed that 44% moved to a different county (up from 36%), and 57% moved to a different local authority (up from 49%). The study also found that the average distance travelled was steadily decreasing before the pandemic but increased by 39% from 2019 to 2022.

 What’s more, a separate poll conducted with potential house buyers suggests that 4 in 5 of those surveyed would like to move closer to their families** — just like Barratt Homes’ newest residents, the Rawles family. 

 Graham and Erika Rawles recently made the move back to their hometown in Caldicot to spend more time with their family.

 On moving into their new home, Graham said: “With our family spread out far and wide — some members here in Caldicot and others across the world in Bahrain — and us not getting any younger, it has become increasingly important to us to spend as much time as we can with our children and grandchildren.

 “Moving away from our lives in York was a huge step — leaving behind very dear friends and memories made over the years. But Mel and the team at David Wilson Homes made the process incredibly smooth — sharing support and knowledge at every step of the way.

 “We can now look forward to our first Christmas with our family in our new home — and getting to enjoy our grandchildren growing up around us.”

Another family who recently moved to the Nant Y Castell development to be closer to family are Lucy Hewlett and her partner Jay Barrett — making the move from Bristol to Caldicot with their children, Grace and Ruby.

[Left to right: Lucy Hewlett and Jay Barrett]

 Lucy said: “We both love the countryside and knew that we wanted to give our children the opportunity to grow up with plenty of green open space around them — so moving back to the peacefulness of Jay’s hometown, after the bustle of our lives in Bristol, was a no-brainer.

 “We are so excited to begin this new chapter of our lives and to be able to share it with our family who are now so close-by.

 “We can’t thank the David Wilson Homes team enough for all of their help through the process — they made it a truly exciting and memorable experience and we would recommend them to anyone looking for their forever home!”

 To give all buyers a helping hand in making their move a reality before Christmas, Barratt and David Wilson Homes have a number of offers available on selected properties, including the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme — offering £1,000 towards the deposit for every £20,000 spent on the purchase of the house.

 Richard Lawson, Sales Director at Barratt Developments South Wales, said: “Proximity to loved ones is becoming increasingly important to our customers — and we’re pleased to be providing quality new-build homes that can be enjoyed by families for years to come.

 “The heartwarming stories of these families reuniting with their loved ones are testament to the communities we are building and contributing to across South Wales — and we look forward to welcoming many more families to our developments this side of Christmas.”

 Looking to make the move to the south-west? Here’s a handy list of all properties available to purchase and move into in time for Christmas 2023 (27 November):

• Forest Grove in Berry Hill has a stunning 4-bedroom home, ready to move into.
• Merlin Gate in Newent has a 4-bedroom home ready to move into.
• Nant Y Castell in Caldicot has a beautiful 4-bedroom home ready to move into.
• Parc Fferm Wen in St Athan has a lovely 4-bedroom home ready to move into.

*An analysis of the distance moved by BDW customers I Barratt Developments. This research analyses 67,730 private completions since July 2017, using the addresses given by customers to understand trends in customer movements, and how these have changed since the pandemic.

**4 in 5 Brits are relocating to move closer to family I The Property Daily