What are the top reasons people sell their home in the UK?
People sell their homes for all sorts of reasons, but which ones are most common right now? We looked at real Google search data to find out. From divorce to inheritance, cash release and relocation, the trends are clear. More people are searching for fast, no-fuss ways to sell their property. And it’s not always for the reasons you might expect.
This article looks at the most common reasons people sell their homes in the UK, based on recent Google search data.
Key points include:
- Divorce: A significant rise in searches related to selling after separation.
- Inherited property: More people looking to sell homes they’ve inherited.
- Cash release: High volumes of searches around selling for quick access to funds.
- General sales: Strong growth in standard search terms like “sell house” or “sell my flat”.
- Second homes: A noticeable decline in interest around selling second properties.
The data reflects shifting priorities, financial pressures, and changing life circumstances. Each trend is broken down and supported by search volume and year-on-year changes, giving a clear picture of why people are looking to sell in 2025.
The data: what people in the UK are searching for
We pulled keyword data from Google to see which phrases are trending when people are looking to sell a home, and how they’ve changed over the past year.
Data collected from Google on 21st May 2025
Key insights from the research
1. Divorce is a major driver
The biggest spike was in searches related to divorce, up by as much as 225%. It’s a reminder that life changes often lead to quick decisions. Traditional agents usually can’t offer the speed or certainty that people in this situation need.
2. Inherited homes are being offloaded
Inherited property searches are also rising fast. Dealing with probate, paperwork and maintenance can be overwhelming. A lot of people just want to sell quickly and move on.
3. People are seeking liquidity
Searches for phrases like “sell my house for cash” show a clear trend. Homeowners are looking to unlock equity quickly. Whether it’s for financial breathing room or a fresh start, speed matters more than ever.
4. Standard sales still dominate, but motivations are shifting
Search terms like “sell my flat” and “sell house” are still the most common and could be for various reasons, such as simply wanted to move!
5. Second homes less in demand
Searches for selling second homes are down 35% which could be for a variety of factors from holding assets to the rise of solutions such as Airbnb which allow extra properties to be used as cash-generating assets.
Save time and hassle by selling your home with us
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How Habello supports each seller type
Whether you’re moving on, cashing out or starting fresh, here’s how we help make it easy.
Divorced or separating?
- Get a fast, fair cash offer.
- Reduce stress during emotional times.
- No agents, no chains.
Inherited a property?
- Sell quickly without needing to renovate.
- Avoid the hassle of probate-linked delays.
- Free up equity without ongoing maintenance.
Moving abroad or relocating?
- Sell before you relocate and we’ll handle everything remotely.
- No last-minute fall-throughs or legal chains.
- Great for expats needing a clean break.
Need cash fast?
- Funds can be in your account in days, not months.
- Avoid fees and middlemen.
- Simple, direct, secure.
Just want to move?
- Say goodbye to open houses and long waiting.
- Get a guaranteed buyer.
- Ideal if you’ve already found your next home
Property owners are choosing Habello for a faster, easier and less stressful way to sell
Sell your home quickly for cash by accepting an offer just below market value. See how we compare to your other options by using the calculator below.
