How long do people stay in their homes?
Across England and Wales the typical owner stays about 23 years. We looked at Land Registry records to see what that means for buyers.
13 November 2026
The numbers
Using HM Land Registry Price Paid Data, we measured how long homes are held between sales in every postcode district. Weighted by the number of homes, the typical stay is about 23 years, and around 4.3% of homes change hands in a year.
What it means for buyers
If you want one particular street, you could wait decades for a listing. Many owners there will move in the next few years, but they haven’t decided when. Registering early gives you a chance to be first.
What it means for owners
You don’t need to be ready today to learn what buyers want. Register with a five-year timeline and keep your price in step with local prices.
Explore your area
Every area card on the map shows the typical stay and how many owners move each year.