The big trade-off: What Aussies are sacrificing to move house in 2025

Moving house has always come with compromises, but new research shows just how much Australians are giving up in 2025 to secure a home.

The latest Muval Index, released by removalist experts Muval, analysed more than 400,000 moving enquiries alongside a nationally representative survey of 2,000 Australians to uncover the realities behind relocation.

The findings reveal a housing market defined by rising costs, shifting priorities, and some tough sacrifices.

Cameron Kusher, View.com.au Economics Expert, says the affordability squeeze has reshaped how people move.

"Over recent years there has been a period of very strong increases in property prices in most markets, and the cost of housing relative to incomes has widened significantly," he said.

"The higher prices are a windfall for current home owners, but it has made it much more difficult for those looking to enter into home ownership for the first time."

Kusher believes the outlook suggests more change ahead.

"With interest rates falling, sentiment on the up, stimulus for first home buyers and dwelling stock likely to respond more slowly than purchasing activity, I expect that housing turnover is likely to rise over the coming quarters," he said.

Family and space top the list of sacrifices

The biggest compromise for movers over the past 12 months has been living further from family and friends, with 23.6 per cent of respondents saying they had to give up proximity to their support networks.

Space was another key trade-off. One in five movers (21 per cent) downsized their number of bedrooms or bathrooms, while 18.1 per cent gave up garage or storage space.

Lifestyle perks also took a hit. Nearly one in five movers said they lost proximity to the beach or coast (18.1 per cent), while 13.7 per cent sacrificed outdoor space such as a garden or balcony. Even practical essentials were not immune, with 16.6 per cent moving further from public transport and 12.9 per cent giving up strong internet connections.

Affordability rules housing decisions

Despite the sacrifices, affordability remains the number one priority for Australians when moving. A huge 78.2 per cent of respondents said price was their top consideration, reflecting the strain of cost-of-living pressures.

Safety was the second most important factor at 47.6 per cent, followed by proximity to work or study (37.6 per cent) and access to public transport (36.5 per cent). Around a third of movers also sought larger homes, while others aimed for convenience by living closer to shops, parks, or family.

Parking and low-maintenance living rounded out the top considerations, signalling that ease and practicality are just as important as location and lifestyle.

Why Australians are moving

The survey also highlighted the main reasons Australians are choosing to relocate in 2025. The most common motivation was upgrading to a better home (28 per cent), reflecting a desire for improved comfort and lifestyle.

Financial stress is also a major driver. More than one in four movers (27.3 per cent) relocated to reduce their cost of living, underlining how rising rents, mortgage repayments and everyday expenses are shaping household decisions.

Career opportunities and lifestyle aspirations were also in play. Fourteen per cent moved for work, while the same proportion relocated in search of lifestyle upgrades such as coastal living or quieter regional areas.

A shifting housing landscape

The Muval Index paints a picture of a housing market where Australians are making clear-eyed trade-offs. Affordability and safety are non-negotiable, but lifestyle luxuries and even proximity to family are often sacrificed.

Kusher expects these pressures will continue shaping the market in 2025.

"I am expecting we will continue to see average prices push higher over the coming quarters as demand for housing lifts on improving consumer sentiment, lower interest rates and increasing government support for first home buyers," he said.

As housing affordability remains stretched, moving house in 2025 is less about chasing the dream home and more about making the best possible compromises.