Overview
- Only 5.6% of London homebuyers left the capital in 2025, the lowest share since 2013, with 57,660 purchases outside London about 44% below the 2021 peak.
- In the Home Counties, 18.2% of homes were bought by Londoners in 2025, the highest share since 2017 and up from 15.4% in 2024.
- London leavers moved an average of 71.6 miles, with 54% settling within 50 miles of the capital and 68% choosing the South of England.
- Local hotspots saw sharp rises in London buyers, led by Chigwell at 53%, Chatham at 50% and Caterham at 29%, while more distant or weaker-connected areas such as Sittingbourne lost appeal.
- The first-time buyer share among leavers slipped to 31.0% as average spends reached £298,360 for first-timers and £457,480 for movers, alongside ONS data showing North East prices up 5.0% and London down 2.4% year on year.