Research carried out for Ocean Finance found 48% of people move less than 15 miles from the place where they grew up.

Almost a third (29%) live within five miles of their home town with less than a quarter moving more than 100 miles away.

Those in northern areas are more likely to remain close to home, the survey found. Almost two-thirds (63%) of those in the North East remain within 15 miles with similarly high levels found in the North West (54%) and Yorkshire (54%).

Those in the South West were least likely to buy property close to home with just 32% buying nearby, in London this figure was 37%.

People who grew up in the South West are most likely to move more than 100 miles away with 44% of those in the area doing so.

Ian Williams, a spokesperson for Ocean Finance, said: “We know that there is strong regional pride in the UK, particularly amongst northerners. Still, it’s really surprising that so many people choose to stay close to where they grew up.

“One explanation is that people want to stay close to their family and childhood friends, and also, to give their children a similar upbringing to their own.

“Those who do move further afield may be in search of better job prospects or a better standard of living.”