With the end of the stamp duty holiday in April 2025, the cost of moving is set to increase yet again. With this in mind, it makes financial sense to keep the number of house moves you make over a lifetime to an absolute minimum.
According to Zoopla, the average person in the UK moves home eight times over the course of their life, with five of those moves happening before the age of 30 and three after that. One of these three moves tends to be to their "forever home" — the property where they are likely to live the longest and bring up a family.
Finding this home as early as possible makes financial sense but it’s also the trickiest property purchase people make.
We asked four property experts for their tips on how to you can find a forever home next year.
What is a forever home?
A forever home tends to be one that will see you through from having young children up to the period when you retire. It needs to tick a lot of boxes, both in terms of the property itself but also the area it’s located in.
“It often coincides with life stages, such as raising children, growing into retirement, or even becoming a base for future generations to visit. It’s a place they’ve chosen with longevity in mind, so they tend to commit to it,” says Sarah Walker, independent estate agent in Richmond.
Most people tend to stay five to 10 years in a property before moving on, but a forever home is one where they stay much longer. “Typically, buyers in their forever home will own it for approximately 25 years,” says Marc Schneiderman of Arlington Residential. “We have one house, currently on the market that the owners have lived in since it was built in 1959 (65 years ago!). That is a rarity.”
What age do people tend to buy their forever home?
This isn’t the same for everyone and obviously circumstances, such as job relocation or the age of their children, will have an impact, but most people start looking for the home where they’ll settle long-term, in their late 30s to early 50s. “By then, people often have a clearer sense of their priorities, whether that’s proximity to schools, futureproofing for retirement, or simply wanting a home where they can put down deep roots,” says Walker.
With the cost of moving home increasing, many are looking to buy their forever home earlier than in the past. “The average home transacts only once every 20 years and with the average buyer now 34 years old, many are aiming to get close to their Forever Home with their first purchase on the property ladder,” says Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla.
A forever home tends to be one that will see you through from having young children up to the period when you retire. ·stocknroll via Getty Images
How is buying a forever home different from other home purchases?
This is likely to be the most expensive property purchase you make so you need to go into things with a sound mindset. Don’t be wowed by fancy gadgets or pretty features and make an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment decision. More than any of your other house moves, this one needs to be carefully thought out.
Crucially, as this is a home that will see you through several different life stages, it needs to have the potential to be adapted, whether that’s adding an extra bedroom for a growing family, an annex for an elderly parent, an office for home working or being made suitable for when the buyers themselves get older.
“[They need to have] scope to extend as well as the ability to future-proof. So, for example, a house that is not on too many levels where stairs can become challenging in later years,” says Schneiderman.
“It’s also worth considering if there are opportunities to add value to the property over time such as adding an extension or upgrading the kitchen,” says Copley.
“Flexibility is key. A forever home should have the potential to adapt to your life changes,” says Walker. “Think about layout. Open-plan spaces might suit now, but will you crave quiet zones in future? Practicalities like good storage, natural light, and energy efficiency are also increasingly important for a home you’ll stay in long term.”
Walker also flags that the area you’re moving to also needs proper consideration. “Good schooling options, reliable transport links, parks, and a strong sense of community tend to be at the top of the list.
“I often advise clients to think long term. Will this area suit them not just now but in retirement? Are there shops, restaurants, or activities that will make life enjoyable in the years ahead?”
What can you do to improve your chances of finding a forever home in 2025?
Finding your forever home can be difficult for a number of reasons, whether that’s because of budget constraints or just the enormity of finding a home that you’re happy to stay in for 20-odd years.
“Start with a clear vision of what your ‘forever’ means,” advises Walker. “Make a list of your non-negotiables, things you can’t compromise on, and your ‘nice-to-haves.’ Be realistic about your budget but look for properties with potential to grow with you.”
While it might not feel like your forever home now, ask yourself whether there's potential for you to make it into one further down the road.
At a practical level, you need to be prepared as these types of homes are highly-sought-after.
“The problem is that these properties are likely to be the most popular. Agents and sellers know they can sell them many times over, and so they can be selective with which buyers to introduce,” says Mark Wells, CEO, Invisible Homes.
To get access to the best properties, make sure you’re constantly in contact with local estate agents and try and build up a rapport so that they come to you first when a property goes on the market.
“Ensure you get ahead of the competition by getting a ‘mortgage in principle’ from a lender. This gives you a good idea of what you can afford and will present you as a serious buyer to estate agents,” says Copley.
Finally, Walker flags that "a forever home isn’t about perfection. It’s about potential. It’s the place you grow into and shape over time to suit your lifestyle.”
