The Quest for a Forever Home: How to Find Your Dream Property Amidst Rising Costs
As the stamp duty holiday comes to an end in April 2025, the cost of moving house is set to increase once again. This has led many potential homebuyers to rethink their strategy and prioritize finding a forever home – a property that will see them through various life stages, including raising children, growing into retirement, or even becoming a base for future generations.
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. One of these three moves tends to be to their "forever home," where they are likely to live the longest and bring up a family.
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. As Sarah Walker, an independent estate agent in Richmond, explains: "It often coincides with life stages, such as raising children, growing into retirement, or even becoming a base for future generations to visit."
Walker emphasizes that a forever home is not just about finding a property that meets your current needs but also one that has the potential to adapt to your changing lifestyle. "Typically, buyers in their forever home will own it for approximately 25 years," she notes. However, this is an unusually long time for homeowners to stay put, and even longer than that can be found, as illustrated by a house currently on the market where the owners have lived since its construction in 1959.
When Do People Typically Buy Their Forever Home?
While everyone's circumstances are different, most people start looking for their forever home in their late 30s to early 50s. At this stage, they tend to have a clearer sense of their priorities and what they need from their property. As Walker notes: "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."
However, with the cost of moving home increasing, many are looking to buy their forever home earlier than in the past. Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, points out: "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."
How is Buying a Forever Home Different from Other Home Purchases?
Buying a forever home requires a different mindset than other house moves. It's often the most expensive property purchase you'll make, and you need to approach it with caution. As Schneiderman of Arlington Residential advises: "Don't be wowed by fancy gadgets or pretty features and make an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment decision." Crucially, this home needs to have the potential to be adapted as your life changes – whether that's adding an extra bedroom for a growing family, an annex for an elderly parent, or making it suitable for when you get older.
Tips from Property Experts on Finding Your Forever Home in 2025
- Start with a Clear Vision: Before beginning your search, make a list of your non-negotiables and nice-to-haves. Be realistic about your budget but look for properties with potential to grow with you.
- Consider the Area: Think long-term about the area's suitability for your future needs. Will it have good schooling options, reliable transport links, parks, and a strong sense of community?
- Flexibility is Key: A forever home should have the potential to adapt to your life changes. Think about layout – open-plan spaces might suit now but may not be practical in the long term.
- Get Ahead of the Competition: Ensure you get a 'mortgage in principle' from a lender, which will give you an idea of what you can afford and present you as a serious buyer to estate agents.
- Build Relationships with Local Estate Agents: Make sure you're constantly in contact with local estate agents and try to build up a rapport so that they come to you first when a property goes on the market.
Conclusion
Finding your forever home requires careful thought, planning, and preparation. It's not just about finding a beautiful property but also one that will meet your changing needs over time. By understanding what makes a forever home tick and following the tips from property experts, you can increase your chances of finding your dream property in 2025 – even amidst rising costs.