School catchment property purchases see parents sacrifice dream homes and financial stability

The latest research from Yopa has revealed that almost half of parental homebuyers sacrifice their dream home in order to purchase within a catchment area for their child's education, with many overstretching themselves financially in the process.

Yopa surveyed* almost 5,000 UK homebuyers to understand the extent to which school catchment areas influence purchasing decisions.

The research shows that nearly a third (31%) of parents moved home specifically to be within the catchment area of their chosen school.

Such is the demand for homes in school catchments that 78% of parents who did so said they found the process difficult, with 32% describing it as extremely difficult due to limited choice and fierce competition.

As a result, just over one in five (21%) opted to rent in their chosen area while they waited for a suitable property to come onto the market.

Competition also forced many to pay above asking price. One in four parents (25%) admitted they had to bid higher, with almost half (49%) paying between 5% and 10% more than the listed price. A further 9% stretched to 20% above asking, while 5% paid more than 20% extra.

In order to secure a catchment property, 38% of parents admitted they had to borrow beyond their means. The majority did so by taking on a larger mortgage than they would have otherwise committed to, while others relied on financial help from the Bank of Mum and Dad or other external support.

Parents are also planning far ahead to beat the competition. 13% moved into their chosen area at the birth of their child, 15% did so before nursery age, and almost four in ten (39%) moved at least a year before applying for primary school.

Some even resorted to unusual tactics in their bid to stand out, with one in ten admitting to offering sellers gifts, financial incentives or personal letters to sway their decision.

Ultimately, the sacrifices paid off for most, with 84% stating that their child secured a place at their chosen school. But it did come at a cost, as 46% admitted they had to compromise on their dream home - whether buying a smaller property, compromising on condition or style, settling for an area they wouldn't have otherwise chosen, or missing out on outdoor space. For 68%, the process also caused significant stress for them and their family.

Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, commented:

"School catchment areas remain one of the most influential factors for family buyers entering the market, and as our research shows, many parents are prepared to make significant sacrifices to secure a place for their child at their school of choice. Whether it's paying above the odds, overstretching financially, or compromising on the dream home, education consistently takes priority.

We're also seeing parents plan further ahead than ever before, in some cases moving years in advance, which only adds to the pressure and competition in these highly desirable pockets of the market.

It underlines just how much weight education carries in the decision-making process and why properties in sought-after catchments continue to command such strong demand."