Young homeowners are moving away from the idea of a ‘forever home’ and are choosing flexibility and renovation potential instead, research from Zoopla found.
Among 18 to 34 year olds, 63% said the idea of staying in one home for life was less important than it was for their parents.
Nearly half of homeowners in this age group expected to move within five years, showing a clear shift away from long-term stays.
Across all age groups, 30% of British homeowners said they had not yet found their forever home.
This figure rose to 36% in the South East and the East Midlands.
Most homeowners, 88%, saw their home as a place to build a life and memories.
Only 7% of all homeowners viewed their home purely as a financial asset, but this increased to 23% among 18 to 34 year olds.
In the 18 to 34 age group, 45% expected to move within five years.
Their main reasons were wanting a different location, needing more space for families or hybrid working, and saving money on mortgages or bills.
Younger buyers valued renovation potential more than older groups.
82% of 18 to 34 year olds said having the option to renovate was important, compared to 57% of those aged 35 to 54.
However, 39% of homeowners said moving made more financial sense than remortgaging for a major renovation, while only 22% preferred to renovate.
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.”
Copley added: “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.”
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.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO 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.”
Emerson added: “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.”
