The traditional idea of a “forever home” is losing its appeal among younger homeowners with a growing number seeing property ownership as a stepping stone rather than a lifelong commitment, according to new research from Zoopla.
The study found that 63% of homeowners aged 18 to 34 believe the concept of a forever home – a property intended for long-term or lifetime occupation – is less relevant than it was for their parents’ generation.
Almost half (45%) of this group expect to move within the next five years, suggesting a decisive shift towards flexibility and mobility in homeownership.
Across all age groups, 30% of British homeowners say they have yet to find their forever home – a figure that rises to 36% in the South East and East Midlands.
CHANGING MINDSET
While most homeowners (88%) still view their property as “a place to build a life and memories,” younger buyers are more commercially minded.
Just 7% of homeowners overall regard their home primarily as “a financial asset,” but this figure rises to 23% among those aged 18 to 34 – highlighting a pragmatic approach to using property as a financial tool to climb the housing ladder.
This shift in mindset is reflected in expectations around mobility. Nearly half (45%) of younger homeowners plan to move within five years, compared with 28% of those aged 35 to 54. The main motivation, cited by 37% of 18 to 34-year-olds, is the desire to relocate to a more suitable area – whether closer to family or for a lifestyle change between rural and urban settings.
A further 36% want a larger home to accommodate growing families or hybrid working, while 33% plan to move to cut costs, such as securing a lower mortgage or cheaper bills.
IMPROVE AND PERSONALISE
Younger buyers also place far greater emphasis on the potential to improve and personalise their homes. While 49% of all homeowners say the ability to renovate is important, that figure rises sharply to 82% among 18 to 34-year-olds and 57% among 35 to 54-year-olds – underlining a preference for homes with potential rather than perfection.
However, this appetite for renovation often meets financial reality. Almost a third (30%) say high transaction costs, such as stamp duty and legal fees, deter them from moving. Yet 39% believe it is still cheaper to move than to remortgage and fund a major extension or renovation, a route chosen by just 22%.
Together, the findings point to a generational shift in attitudes towards ownership — from permanence and sentimentality towards flexibility, opportunity and financial strategy.
FAST MOVING
Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, says: “The dream of a forever home hasn’t disappeared, but its definition is being completely rewritten by younger generations.
“They are acutely cost-conscious and view their property not as a shrine to permanence, but as a flexible asset that must align with their fast-changing lives.
“The study shows they are planning for a large home and are not afraid to renovate to make it their own, but they are equally ready to move if their home stops meeting their needs.”
LIFESTYLE CHOICE
Glynn Gibb, Regional Director at John D Wood & Co, adds: “The idea of a ‘forever home’ remains an appealing concept and will always have a certain romance to it, but for many buyers today, life simply moves too fast for permanence to be the goal.
“Careers, families and priorities all change, and people are realising their home needs to change with them.
“Rather than chasing the ‘forever home,’ today’s buyers are focusing on finding the right home for this stage of their life – one that fits their current lifestyle, supports their ambitions for the next few years, and gives them the freedom to move when life calls for it.
“It’s a more realistic, empowering way to think about homeownership – and it’s an opportunity to keep reassessing what ‘home’ means as life unfolds.”
GENERATIONAL SHIFT
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, says: “There is a clear generational shift in attitudes towards homeownership. Younger buyers are prioritising flexibility, affordability, and the potential to add value through renovation, rather than aiming for a single ‘forever home’.
“This mirrors the realities of today’s housing market, where changing job opportunities, lifestyle needs, and financial pressures mean people are moving more frequently and viewing property ownership as both a stepping stone and an investment.
“Estate agents have a key role to play in guiding consumers through these shifting priorities, helping them make informed choices that balance flexibility, financial attentiveness, and long-term aspirations.”
