While many Britons choose to move abroad each year, significant numbers are also relocating within the United Kingdom, with a particular Merseyside port town emerging as a surprising hotspot. New analysis has identified Birkenhead, situated on the Wirral peninsula, as the nation's most popular domestic destination for internal migration, largely thanks to its comparatively affordable housing market.
Birkenhead Leads the Pack with Impressive Growth
Recent research conducted by storage software company Stora examined net migration figures alongside average property prices across fifty different UK locations from 2025 to mid-2024. The data paints a clear picture of shifting population patterns, with Birkenhead claiming the top spot. The town experienced a substantial 27 per cent increase in people moving to the area, resulting in a net migration of 2,446 individuals. Specifically, just over 11,000 people relocated to Birkenhead, while approximately 9,000 departed.
A key driver behind this trend is the area's housing affordability. Average house prices in Birkenhead stand at around £210,338, which is notably lower than the current national average of £272,000. This significant price differential appears to be a major attraction for those seeking value within the UK property market.
Other Popular Relocation Destinations Across the UK
The research highlights several other areas experiencing notable inward migration. Wigan, located near the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool, ranked second with a 26 per cent overall increase, welcoming 15,000 new residents. Northampton followed in third place, recording a 24 per cent surge despite higher average house prices of £255,130.
The Midlands also proved to be a popular region for relocators. Mansfield secured fourth place with a 10 per cent increase, while Dudley ranked fifth with an eight per cent rise. These figures suggest a broader trend of movement towards areas offering a balance of connectivity and living costs.
Areas Experiencing Population Decline
Conversely, the study identified locations where more people are leaving than arriving. Luton, situated near London, fared the worst, suffering a dramatic -39 per cent decrease in migration. The net migration for Luton was almost -7,000, and its house prices, averaging around £280,000, sit above the national average.
Portsmouth ranked as the second least popular spot, with over 18,000 residents departing the area. Leicester came in third, witnessing 31,000 people move away. Despite 22,000 new residents arriving, this resulted in a net migration figure of -30 per cent for the city.
Further down the list, Kingston upon Hull experienced a -24 per cent shift in migration, placing it fourth, while Slough ranked fifth among the areas with the highest net outflow of residents.
Notable Extremes in the Migration Data
The research uncovered some striking extremes. Birmingham recorded the highest absolute number of people moving away, with a staggering 79,500 locals relocating from the city. On the property price front, the City of Westminster confirmed its status as the UK's most expensive place to live, with average house prices reaching an eye-watering £976,519.
This comprehensive analysis underscores the powerful influence of housing costs on internal migration patterns within the UK. As affordability pressures continue, towns like Birkenhead that offer relative value are likely to remain attractive propositions for Britons looking to relocate without leaving the country.
