Parents are rejoicing as schools finally reopen after the long summer holidays, but research reveals how much extra families are willing to pay for a property to secure a place for their child.
A survey by Santander Mortgages, based on questions answered by more than 4,000 parents with children of school age, showed 24% had purchased or rented a property to secure an address within a particular school catchment area.
The poll of 4,014 parents found those with children of school age are willing to spend on average 12% more on a property to live in a desired catchment area.
This equates to £26,800 extra, based on average Land Registry prices of £223,257, so they have a better chance of getting their child into a school of their choice.
Among families who have moved to be within their desired catchment area, 51% said they had sold their previous property and purchased a new one within their chosen area.
Another 30% said they purchased a second home in the catchment area, while 19% secured their desired address by renting a property.
A fifth of those who moved changed jobs, while 20% said they were forced to downsize and 19% moved to an area where they did not feel safe.
One in four admit they overstretched themselves, paying more for the property than they could realistically afford and 26% moved to a location that was far away from family or friends.
Miguel Sard, managing director of mortgages for Santander UK, said: “Living within a certain school catchment area is top of the wish list for many families but often these addresses come at a premium.
“Our study highlights the significant financial and lifestyle sacrifices that parents are making to be within the catchment area of a desired school.”
How does your region fare?
| Region | Percentage of parents who have bought or rented | Average premium buyers have paid or are prepared to pay additional percentage on original property price* | Average property price for that region | Average school catchment premium for this region* |
| North East | 37% | 14% | £130,065 | £18,200 |
| North West | 17% | 13% | £156,392 | £20,300 |
| Yorks & Humber | 33% | 10% | £157,762 | £15,800 |
| East Midlands | 28% | 12% | £182,166 | £21,800 |
| West Midlands | 29% | 11% | £185,082 | £20,300 |
| East of England | 12% | 10% | £286,623 | £28,700 |
| London | 33% | 17% | £481,556 | £81,800 |
| South East | 21% | 9% | £320,168 | £28,800 |
| South West | 18% | 10% | £246,159 | £24,600 |
| Wales | 15% | 8% | £151,672 | £12,100 |
| Scotland | 21% | 12% | £144,253 | £17,300 |
| N. Ireland | 29% | 5% | £128,650** | £6,400 |
| UK | 24% | 12% | £223,257 | £26,800 |
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