There are around 220,000 empty homes in England. Over crowding and shortages in some places, an over supply in others. Affordability is an issue too.
We like where we live. Nice street, fairly quiet, GP, shops, park, library, leisure centre all within a few minutes walk. Hospitals nearby, on bus routes. Tram route near, which was great when I was working, and it goes straight to town, convenient for the theatres, or cinema. Our daughter lived in the area first, so we had a feel for it. However, now we aren't very near family, so if I'm ever left on my own, I'll move.