Do kids hold the keys? Nine out of ten parents say they would ‘consult’ their young children about moving home. And a third say kids have previously OBJECTED to a move.

• Parents are increasingly being led by their kids when it comes to home moves, with a fifth saying they would ‘let their kids decide’ if they should move home or not

• Many have pulled out of a house move or decided against one because of kids’ objections; but the research suggests they could be overthinking it

• Tears and worries are common when children are told about a home move – but 77% of kids ‘preferred’ their new home when they did move

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Kids could hold the key to family home moves, according to new research. The figures show that nearly nine in ten parents (87%) now say they would ‘consult’ with their children regarding moving home, with a fifth (20%) going as far as saying they would ‘do what their children want and let them decide’. Considering children when moving is key - according to the most recent data from the English Housing Survey, 26% of homeowners who move home do so with children in tow.

The research - from Zoopla and carried out among both parents of, and children, aged 6-12 – suggests many parents are being led by their children’s wishes rather than taking the approach of ‘parents know best’, with a third (32%) even admitting an ‘objection’ from a child has put paid to a potential home move in the past. More than one in ten (11%) decided not to put in an offer because their children said not to, and 8% have even pulled out of a purchase after their children put their foot down.

However, parents could be overthinking it, as accompanying research amongst children themselves who have moved home (and remember doing so) shows that over three quarters (77%) say they preferred their new home.

In many cases (47%) parents say their children reacted positively overall to moving and 43% say they reacted ‘equally positive in some ways and negative in others’. Amongst those whose children acted in any negative way, 37% say their children were worried about changing schools, 34% say they were worried about moving away from friends, and a third (33%) say the conversation resulted in tears.

Whilst 29% of parents say they thought their children would be ‘worried’ and 17% thought they would be ‘sad’ - when they were told, children were most likely to be ‘excited’ (46%) or ‘happy’ (45%) according to the kids survey. And when they actually moved, 58% of children say they ‘loved the new home’ and 46% say they ‘loved their new bedroom’.

Consulting children - whether or not they actually end up having input into the decision - could be helpful in preparing children for a move. And kids overwhelmingly agree. Nearly all (96%) say parents should speak to them about it. In total, 57% say they should ‘take their thoughts into consideration’ and 28% say the parents should ‘do what the kids want’.

Below, Zoopla has provided its top tips on talking to children about a move. Meanwhile, Zoopla’s handy travel time tool allows parents to see how long it will take them to get to local schools, meaning it’s easy to research that important consideration.

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla says: “Most parents know that routine is important for young children and change can be unsettling – especially something as significant as moving home. However, our research shows that many parents could be worrying unnecessarily about moving house – as while many children may get upset about the idea at first, for most, it is a positive and beneficial experience when it actually happens. And as a father who has moved home with my own children, this was very much my own experience too.

“Our research shows that come moving day, kids’ are overwhelmingly excited about the prospect of a new home, and the new possibilities for their bedrooms, new friends and new areas to explore. The key for parents is to get kids’ involved in the moving process from the beginning, to get them excited about all of the possibilities a new home can bring them.”

Dan’s Top Tips for moving home with children:

1. Be positive when you first bring it up: Kids often mirror your mood and energy, so starting a conversation in a positive manner is key. Using language such as ‘we have something very exciting to tell you’ is likely to get things off to a better start.

2. Focus on what won’t change: Routine is key for children and the mention of moving may immediately throw up assumptions about moving school or away from their friends. If you’re moving nearby, be clear that most things are going to stay the same - just in a more suitable home. If you are moving far away, reassure them that they will still be able to bring all their favourite toys and belongings with them. Some children automatically assume moving home means leaving everything - such as furniture and toys - behind too.

3. Bring them on the journey: As the research shows, making the kids feel like they are being consulted will help, even if in reality, the decision will lie with you. Take them on viewings. Ask what colour they want to decorate their bedroom. Even asking questions such as ‘What room do you think Grandma would like to stay in when she visits’ can make them feel like they are part of the move - rather than it being something that is just happening to them.

4. Focus on the benefits: Put yourself in the mind of your child and think about what will get them excited about a move. For example, if they will have a bigger bedroom or a nice garden they can play football in. Look at what is nearby - is there a great dance studio or go kart track that you will be able to visit? Giving them some exciting positives to focus on can really help to counteract their worries

5. Be prepared for tears: The idea of a move can feel scary and overwhelming initially, and this may continue for some time. If this is the case, don’t be put off a move entirely. The research demonstrates that in the vast majority of cases, children are happy they moved. Sometimes it is a case of holding your nerve and trusting that you are doing the right thing for them in the long run.

- Ends -

For further information, please contact PR Team on pr@zoopla.co.uk or +44 (0)20 3873 8770.

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