Moving house is one of life's big decisions, yet the intricate dynamics within households, from who sparks the initial idea, to who makes the final compromise, often remain unseen.
A new study from UK property website Zoopla has revealed that three in four families report their kids have a say over final housing choices during the home moving process.
This influence is even more pronounced in the younger generations, with 40 per cent of Gen Z movers identifying their children as either the primary influencers or a significant part of the final choice, while a third of Millennials acknowledge a similar level of impact. The trend aligns with a wider societal shift, with additional research also indicating children's growing influence on other substantial household purchases, from smartphones, to household appliances and cars.
This growing power means the 'must-haves' of children are increasingly central to the property search, reshaping family priorities in a new home. As a result, children tend to compromise the least in these decisions, accounting for just one per cent of concessions compared to 56 per cent of adults.
Other findings of the research included:
- Men tend to be the ‘Home Move CEOs’, taking the lead on financial and logistical tasks like setting the budget (33 per cent versus 19 per cent of women) and negotiating the house price (36 per cent versus 20 per cent of women);
- Women are more likely to veto a property (49 per cent versus 37 per cent of men), while men are more likely to make concessions on "must-haves" (31 per cent versus 25 per cent of women);
- Men typically have a better idea when it comes to understanding a property’s value, 42 per cent versus 25 per cent of women; and
- Baby boomers are the most collaborative generation, with 44 per cent reporting they equally share the decision to move, compared with 25 per cent of Gen Z and 31 per cent of Baby Boomers.