How Often Do Burnley Homeowners Really Move? The 8-Year Itch Explained
Every Burnley homeowner feels it eventually - the quiet urge for change. At Pendle Hill Properties, we call it the Burnley itch. Here’s what the data reveals about how often we move, why we do it, and how we can help you plan your next step with confidence.
If you walk down almost any Burnley road or street, you'll see the quiet signs of life playing out behind the front doors. Families growing. Kids leaving home. Kitchens being refitted for the second or third time. Yet somewhere in that rhythm, every homeowner starts to feel it again.... the gentle itch to move.
Nationally, that cycle is longer than most people think. Across the UK, there are around 28.5 million households, of which roughly 17.7 million are owner-occupied. On the surface, we're a nation of stay-put homeowners. Around 83,300 properties sell each month, suggesting the typical homeowner moves only once every 16 years or so. It sounds calm, stable, and predictable.
But Burnley doesn't always follow the national beat. Beneath that surface of stability, the numbers tell a far more restless story.
How long do we really stay in our Burnley homes?
Over the past few months, I've been studying property data for Burnley, tracing how long local owners had lived in their homes before deciding to sell. The pattern is fascinating.
Burnley home movers move on average every 17 years and 16 weeks. Let us break that down.
The 25% quickest movers
These Burnley homeowners move every 5 years and 10 weeks on average. Often, they're driven by change - a renovation project, a career move, or simply the urge for something new. They inject momentum into the market and keep opportunity flowing.
The next 25% quickest movers
Moving every 13 years and 31 weeks, this group typically upgrades as families grow or ambitions evolve. They're in the thick of life - juggling schools, jobs, and dreams of “the next one up.”
The next 25%
This group moves roughly every 21 years and 36 weeks. They're often settled, but starting to plan for the next chapter - perhaps downsizing or changing lifestyle.
The 25% slowest movers
The long-timers - moving only every 28 years and 41 weeks. They're deeply rooted in their homes and communities, often mortgage-free, and have watched entire generations grow around them.
It’s almost a two- or three-tier property market: quick movers every 8 years and 49 weeks on average, and a smaller group who stay put for decades.
Age Changes Everything
Across the UK those with mortgages move on average every 9–10 years, while those who've paid theirs off tend to stay for over 23.
Without a mortgage, the urgency to move fades - and homes that could help younger families often remain in place longer. That's especially true in Burnley, where smaller first-time homes change hands every few years, while larger family homes may stay within the same family for decades.
The Cost of Staying (and the Price of Moving)
The average cost of moving home in Britain now sits between £10,000 and £15,000, including fees, removals, and redecorating. For many, that's enough to delay a move.
But staying can also have hidden costs - in time, comfort, and daily stress. A home that no longer fits your life can quietly chip away at your wellbeing. It's rarely the spreadsheets that drive a move; it’s the conversations at the kitchen table that start with:
“Do you think it’s time we moved?”
Burnley's Quiet Churn
Burnley's market is steady - not frantic, but consistently active. That balance is its strength: enough movement to keep opportunities open, enough stability to keep prices realistic.
Behind every move lies a life story - optimism, growth, and change. When Burnley moves, it moves with purpose.
Why It Matters Now
Every home move mirrors a life stage. Faster movement signals confidence; slower movement often reflects caution, affordability pressures, or a lack of next-step homes.
In 2025, Burnley's data shows a thoughtful, deliberate market. People still feel the itch - they're just taking more time to plan the right move, for the right reasons.
How Pendle Hill Properties Can Help
At Pendle Hill Properties, we understand that moving home isn't just about bricks, mortar, or numbers - it's about life.
Whether you've been in your Burnley home for five years or thirty-five, our team takes the time to understand your personal circumstances - from family needs to financial goals. We'll come out, sit down with you, and help you build a clear plan that fits your situation.
Sometimes that means finding out what your home is really worth. Other times, it's helping you decide whether it's the right moment to move at all. Our role isn't just to list your property - it's to guide you confidently through the next step of your journey.
If you've started to feel that familiar Burnley itch, even faintly, let's talk. Because moving home isn't just about changing address - it's about moving forward.
Give us a call on 01282 772048 today!
