Research shows young people less concerned about ‘forever homes’

November 12, 2025 by Mark

Borrowers

Younger buyers are much less invested in the idea of the ‘forever home’ than their older counterparts, according to the latest study to be released.

This study was conducted by Zoopla, the property search website, and it shows a real age divide on this subject. When it comes to those aged between 18 and 34 who own a home, 63% are not particularly interested in the idea of a ‘forever home’. Close to 50% of those within that age range believe that they will move from their current home between now and the end of the decade.

What this demonstrates is that they value flexibility more than permanence in terms of property ownership. This is not the case to nearly the same extent when it comes to people aged between 35 and 54.

Only 28% of those within that older age grouping told the study that they expected to move during the upcoming five years. This suggests that they feel a greater attachment to their current homes and may look at them as permanent places to settle.

Some of the reasons that people gave for planning moves included upgrading their locales (37%), wanting a bigger home (36%) and cutting living expenses (33%).

Zoopla consumer expert Daniel Copley said to Mortgage Introducer that younger people have different ideas:

“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.”

This is information that those with CeMAP mortgage advisor training must be conscious of and a trend that highlights the need for solid mortgage advice.