According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, which tracks internal moves within the UK, migration from London to other parts of the UK reached its highest ever level in 2018. International property consultant Knight Frank reports Scotland was the most popular destination for London leavers, though there is no breakdown of where specifically individuals moved within the country.
Birmingham was the most popular destination with England, followed by Brighton and Hove, Thurrock and Bristol. "Relative housing affordability is likely to have influenced the decision of some to leave London," said Oliver Knight, an Associate in the Knight Frank residential research team.
"As will the desire and opportunity to 'trade up the housing ladder'. The flow of families out of London forms a natural part of any city's life cycle, but increased employment opportunities in cities such as Birmingham and Manchester also act as a draw. Improvements to transport infrastructure, including the Elizabeth Line and HS2 will extend the scale of the commuter zone."
Some 340,500 Londoners left the capital for another destination within the UK in the year to June 2018, 1.3% higher than in 2017.
