A new study has revealed the areas across Britain where people are most likely to find their ‘forever home’ - and Waverley is at the bottom of the list.

Online Mortgage Advisor has analysed property ownership data from HM Land Registry from over the last three decades to discover where Brits live in and own their homes for the longest.

The data shows that of all regions in Britain, Waverley is on average the area where homeowners settle for the shortest time.

In Waverley, residents stay in their home for an average of five years and 31 days, the lowest of any of the 322 local authorities.

This is two years less than the next lowest area on the list, the Orkney Islands, which have an average of seven years and 22 days.

It is also four years less than the South East average, which is nine years, nine months and 20 days, with the overall British average being ten years and two months.

Looking at other factors that contribute to choosing a forever home, the study showed that people are likely to stay longer in a detached house than a semi-detached house, terraced home, or a flat.

Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of HomeOwners Alliance, said that she believes that the local area is the defining factor when choosing a forever home.

She said: “I think it’s not just the house, it’s definitely the community. People will choose to live longer in certain homes because they’re part of a community and they’ve got ties to the community.”

Matt Lanninge, property consultant, added: “The area is arguably more important for some. Some people wouldn’t live on a street they didn’t feel safe on, or was too busy, too quiet, or simply doesn’t reflect them.”