Central Bedfordshire ranks 7th as nation’s most popular place to move to
Central Bedfordshire is the UK’s 7th favourite destination to relocate to, according to a new study.
It joins other high-demand counties and placed above Buckinghamshire, marking a significant shift in where people are choosing to build their futures.
The findings come from fresh analysis by leading conveyancing solicitors Bird & Co, whose experts looked at national migration patterns after conducting a similar study in 2021. Interestingly, this year’s list looks markedly different to the results found immediately after the pandemic, with only Cornwall retaining its spot in the top 10.
By utilising the latest available data from the Office for National Statistics, HM Land Registry and Rightmove, the study examined net internal migration to uncover which parts of the UK are attracting the most new residents.
Figures on average house prices, property transactions and the percentage of ‘loyal’ homeowners (those who moved within their county) provided further context. Based on the net migration figures across all counties, the study suggests that internal migrants in the UK are most likely to relocate to:
> East Riding of Yorkshire, 5,938
> North Yorkshire, 5,363
> Cornwall, 5,117
> Dorset, 4,750
> Somerset, 4,469
> Cheshire East, 4,323
> Central Bedfordshire, 3,971
> Buckinghamshire, 3,922
> Northumberland, 3,734
> North Northamptonshire, 3,513.
Central Bedfordshire recorded a net inflow of 3,971 people, making it the UK’s 7th strongest-performing destination for inward migration in 2025.
Bird & Co Partner, Daniel Chard, said: "Central Bedfordshire has evidently seen growth this year, with new residents moving in and existing households shifting locally, perhaps into newer developments.
"Its location and expanding housing stock presumably support its continued rise.
“We can deduce from this study that people are trading cramped, high-cost living for places that offer more space, better value and a pace of life that actually suits them.
“What stands out in this year’s data is just how strongly some counties are holding on to their residents while attracting a fresh wave of newcomers. It shows that when an area gets the balance right - affordability, lifestyle and good connections - people don’t just move there; they stay.”