FOLLOWING the Bank of England’s announcement that the base rate will reduce from 4.25% to 4%, new data from AnyVan, a nationwide removals company, reveals that the Essex Thames Gateway is likely to see a wave of relocations as latent demand makes home movers quick to respond.
AnyVan, who complete nearly 300,000 moves each year in the UK, analysed historical home moving trends following the August 2024 base rate drop to predict how the decision might impact moving trends over the next six months.
While Bank of England data shows that mortgage approvals for house purchases already rose to 64,200 in June 2025, as confidence grew that the base rate would fall again this year, AnyVan’s findings reveal that when borrowing costs fall, move volumes can rise by as much as 50% in some regions, unlocking pent‑up demand from buyers who’ve been holding off.
Essex Thames Gateway among the UK’s fastest movers after rate cuts
Looking at the six months following the August 2024 base rate change, the Essex Thames Gateway saw the third largest year-on-year change in home moves across the UK following the August 2024 rate change at 50% – showing that when borrowing becomes more affordable, some regions waste no time in making their move.
In the Essex Thames Gateway, the average property price is around £444,000 – higher than the UK average – but proximity to London and ongoing regeneration mean demand is consistently strong. Many of its towns, such as Basildon, Thurrock and Southend, combine fast rail links to London with access to the Thames Estuary and coastal living, making them attractive to commuters, families and investors alike.
Areas with strong underlying demand, including Thames Gateway, North Nottinghamshire and East Riding and North Lincolnshire, are primed to see the biggest surge in moves when interest rates fall. With buyers already eyeing these locations, a drop in borrowing costs can quickly turn interest into action.
At a regional level, Yorkshire saw the biggest year-on-year increase in home moves across the UK at 36%, followed by the West Midlands (+35%) and East Midlands (+33%). The growth in Yorkshire coincided with a shift towards smaller properties during the same period in the previous year, whereas demand for family homes (four-bed and above) is expected to be a driver of this growth in the East Midlands.
Angus Elphinstone, owner of AnyVan, commented: “When borrowing gets cheaper, people get moving – and the data proves it. Every time the base rate drops, we see a tangible uptick in moving activity, particularly in areas where demand is strong and affordability gives people the confidence to act. Our data shows that this isn’t just about first-time buyers taking their first step, it’s also families upsizing, renters becoming homeowners, and people relocating for a better quality of life.
Lower interest rates act like a green light for movers who’ve been holding back, and what’s clear is that when the conditions are right, the market responds – and fast.”
