What makes a forever home for first time buyers?

By:
 Lydia Slater

Avant Homes: Group Social Media and Marketing Executive

Updated:
 11 November 2025

A recent study from Barclays revealed one third of first time buyers are now opting straight for ‘forever homes’. But what is a forever home, exactly?

A forever home is a property you plan to stay in long-term, adapting it to your lifestyle as your needs change. Traditionally, many first time buyers start small with the goal of upsizing later when they need more space. But it seems there’s a new trend of buyers planning ahead and choosing homes they can grow into, rather than out of. 

If you’re thinking of making a similar move, you’ll first need to pinpoint what a forever home means to you. To help you out, we’ve highlighted 9 key features for first time buyers to look out for in a forever home.

1. The right size for long-term living

Choosing the right property size is one of the most important parts of finding your forever home. Three-bedroom properties are currently the most popular choice for first time buyers, making up 46% of purchases, and it’s easy to see why. 

Having a little extra space gives you room to grow and enjoy life comfortably, whether that’s starting a family, working from home, or simply not tripping over your belongings!

2. Flexible layout that adapt to your needs

A home that can change with you is a hallmark of a true forever home. Open-plan living areas or rooms that can transform from a nursery to a home office or gym give you long-term flexibility. 

Choosing a layout that works for today and tomorrow means you won’t feel cramped as your lifestyle evolves, helping you stay comfortable in your home for years to come.

3. A garden or outdoor space

Outdoor space is a top priority in many first time buyers’ forever homes, with nearly half of Gen X and 40% of Millennials rating it as essential. 

A garden or patio is perfect for hosting friends on a warm summer evening, or giving kids room to play safely. Even a small outdoor area like a balcony can make a big difference to everyday life!

4. Good location and amenities

Where you live is just as important as the home itself. A property close to good schools, transport links, shops, and parks adds convenience to your daily routine and helps protect future resale value. 

Choosing a neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle will help make your forever home feel like the right place to settle down for the long term.

5. Energy efficiency and low running costs

A forever home should be a good financial investment, so look for one that saves you money while keeping you comfortable. New builds are a great choice here, with research from the Home Builders Federation showing that new build owners can save up to £979 a year on energy bills compared with older properties. 

Energy-efficient features, high EPC ratings and sustainable fittings make a big difference to your wallet, while also helping future-proof your forever home against rising costs.

6. Plenty of storage space

Storage might not be the first thing on your wish list, but it’s essential for long-term comfort. Utility rooms, lofts and garages keep everyday clutter under control and make your home easier to live in. 

When you plan for storage from the start, your forever home can stay organised and practical, no matter how your family or lifestyle grows over time.

7. Quality fixtures and finishes

Investing in durable fixtures and finishes is a simple way to keep your forever home looking beautiful for years. From kitchen surfaces to bathroom fittings, opting for quality now means less stress later, as well as saving you money on costly upgrades further down the line. 

8. Good natural light and ventilation

Bright, airy homes just feel better. Good natural light can make rooms look larger, and even improve wellbeing throughout long grey winters. 

Consider things like window placement and ceiling height, as well as which direction the house faces. Will you get plenty of light in the mornings or afternoons? Which is more important to you?

It may sound minor, but one wrongly-placed window could change the whole feel of a room, so it’s worth thinking carefully about this.

9. A strong sense of community

When buying a forever home, considering the surrounding environment is just as important as choosing the property itself. Your home is part of a neighbourhood, and it’s important you feel safe and welcomed there. 

Try to find out a bit about your new neighbours, or any local groups you might want to join. A friendly street and neighbours you can rely on can make all the difference when it comes to feeling settled!

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