Australians are preparing to move in big numbers, with the 2025 Muval Index revealing that 28% of people are planning to relocate within the next 12 months.

The study — based on more than 400,000 moving enquiries and a survey of 2,000 Australians — highlights that lifestyle and affordability continue to shape moving decisions. More than a third of those surveyed are planning to upgrade to a better home, while another third are seeking to reduce their cost of living.

The appeal of lifestyle remains strong, with about one in five movers looking to make a sea change or tree change to coastal or quieter regional areas. Yet the ACT emerged as the most popular destination overall, with 120 people moving in for every 100 moving out. Victoria was the second most popular, followed by Western Australia.

Affordability remains a key driver, with 16% of respondents moving for cheaper housing. Downsizing is also a factor, with 18% planning to move into smaller homes, while 11% cited access to better schools as their reason for relocating.

The results reflect the ongoing rebalancing of where Australians want to live post-pandemic, with lifestyle, affordability, and education continuing to dominate the decision-making process.