DORSET is set to be a top destination for people looking to relocate and move home after lockdown ends, according to a recent study.

Aside from the visitors flocking to the seaside for day trips, Dorset has been revealed as one of the most popular places in the UK for people to relocate, as people consider life after lockdown.

Nearly a quarter of adults in the UK are considering relocating in the next couple of years, according to new research from online mortgage broker Trussle, as house hunters prepare to come out of lockdown.

Of the 2,000 people surveyed, 17 per cent said they had been spending their time in isolation searching on property websites. The highest percentages looking to relocate are, somewhat unsurprisingly, those living in the UK’s biggest cities including London, Birmingham, and Manchester, with more than 41 per cent of Londoners planning their next move within two years.

Dorset ranked sixth most popular relocation destination overall. It was 10th most popular with 18 to 34-year-olds, seventh with 35 to 54-year-olds and third favourite for those aged 55 and over.

Dorset is favourable because the countryside (28 per cent), living by the sea (27 per cent) and being closer to woodlands (16 per cent) are high on the agenda for house hunters since lockdown has been put in place, as the so-called ‘rural renaissance’ takes hold.

The overwhelming reason for a relocation is to have more space, with over a quarter (27 per cent), citing this as being prompted by lockdown. This is followed by being closer to family (19 per cent), farther away from other people (16 per cent) and the opportunity to have a garden (13 per cent).

Miles Robinson, Head of Mortgages at Trussle said: "It comes as no surprise that homeowners and would-be buyers are looking for a different way of life after lockdown. Our research shows that nearly a quarter of adults are hoping to relocate in the next couple of years, and estate agents have seen a big increase in enquiries about out of city locations during the last few weeks.

"Many will be considering a move away from the big cities to get more for their money. The lockdown has resulted in a noticeable shift to the desire for more rural living - especially as remote working becomes the norm for many."

Top ten most popular destinations for relocation

  1. Cornwall
  2. Devon
  3. Yorkshire
  4. Lake District
  5. London
  6. Dorset
  7. Scotland
  8. Peak District
  9. Wales
  10. Norfolk

Top places to live: 18 to 34 years old

  1. London
  2. Lake District
  3. Yorkshire
  4. Cornwall
  5. Greater Manchester
  6. Devon
  7. Kent
  8. Northern Ireland
  9. Peak District
  10. Dorset

Top places to live: 35 to 54 years old

  1. Cornwall
  2. Devon
  3. Lake District
  4. Yorkshire
  5. Peak District
  6. Scotland
  7. Dorset
  8. Wales
  9. Kent
  10. Norfolk

Top places to live: 55+ years old

  1. Cornwall
  2. Devon
  3. Dorset
  4. Yorkshire
  5. Lake District
  6. Scotland
  7. Wales
  8. Norfolk
  9. Peak District
  10. Sussex