Cornwall is the number one place to relocate to in the UK, as people consider life after lockdown.

Nearly a quarter of UK adults (24 per cent) are considering relocating in the next couple of years, according to new research from mortgage broker Trussle, as house hunting becomes a top lockdown pastime.

Of the 2,000 surveyed, 17 per cent revealed they have been spending their time in isolation searching on property websites.

Cornwall is the most popular destination when it comes to relocation for 35-54 year olds (18 per cent), closely followed by Devon (14 per cent), Lake District (13 per cent), Yorkshire (11 per cent), and Dorset (10 per cent).

The highest percentages looking to relocate are, somewhat unsurprisingly, those living in the UK’s biggest cities including London, Birmingham, and Manchester, with 41 per cent of Londoners planning their next move within two years.

The overwhelming reason for a relocation is to have more space, with over a quarter (27 per cent), citing this as being prompted by lockdown.

This is followed by being closer to family (19 per cent), farther away from other people (16 per cent) and the opportunity to have a garden (13 per cent.

The countryside (28 per cent), living by the sea (27 per cent) and being closer to woodlands (16 per cent) are also top of the agenda for house hunters since lockdown has been put in place, as the so-called ‘rural renaissance’ takes hold.

Miles Robinson, head of mortgages at Trussle said: “It comes as no surprise that homeowners and would-be buyers are looking for a different way of life after lockdown.

"Our research shows that nearly a quarter of adults are hoping to relocate in the next couple of years, and estate agents have seen a big increase in enquiries about out of city locations during the last few weeks.

"Many will be considering a move away from the big cities to get more for their money. The lockdown has resulted in a noticeable shift to the desire for more rural living - especially as remote working becomes the norm for many.”

Interestingly, younger adults (aged 18-34 years) seem undeterred by big city life with 22 per cent aiming to relocate to London rather than away.

The older generation (55+) are the least likely to consider a move at all, with only 12 per cent looking to relocate, instead focusing on sprucing up their current home and garden (34 per cent).