The appeal of living in a home for 15-20-years is losing its appeal for 18-34-year-olds, research from Zoopla has found.
Almost half (45%) of 18-34 year old homeowners expect to move home within the next five years, significantly higher than the 28% of 35-54-year-olds who anticipate relocating during the same timeframe.
The top motivation, cited by 37% of 18-34 year olds, is desire for a different location that better suits their life, such as being closer to family or moving between rural and urban areas.
Furthermore, 36% cite the need for a larger home to accommodate growing families or the requirements of modern hybrid working, while a third (33%) are looking to relocate primarily to save money, citing goals like securing a lower mortgage or reduced bills.
Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “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. Zoopla is ready to support this new wave of homeowners, whether they are planning their next move in five years or looking to unlock the renovation potential of the home they own right now.”
There’s evidence that young people are becoming more commercially savvy than older people.
On average, just 7% of all homeowners view a home purely as “a financial asset that should be leveraged when the market is right.”
However, this figure more than triples for the 18-34 age group, with 23% of this younger group of homeowners viewing their property as a financial asset.
This demonstrates a pragmatic and commercially aware approach to getting on the housing ladder and seeking to leverage their property for future capital gains to buy their next home, fitting perfectly with the ‘Right Now Home’ philosophy.
Glynn Gibb, regional director at John D Wood & Co, said: “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.”
Some 82% of 18-34 year olds place high importance on a home’s future renovation potential, suggesting they view their property as an ongoing project.
Despite the desire to renovate, 39% of homeowners find relocating to a different location to be a more financially sensible choice than staying put and remortgaging to fund a major extension or renovation
Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, said: “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.
“Many younger homeowners are looking for homes that can evolve with them, properties with renovation potential, access to good transport links, and strong local amenities. However, the market needs to continue to support mobility and affordability, ensuring people can make these transitions without being held back by supply shortages, high transaction costs, or limited mortgage options.
“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.”