Pre-pandemic, the UK favoured urban living, however, with lockdown and the rise of remote working, thousands moved out of the capital and other major cities in favour of non-urban locations.

However, a new survey by specialist home insurance provider, Homeprotect, suggests Gen Z is bucking this trend and are now prioritising proximity to large towns and cities over square footage once again.

The specialist insurer surveyed 2,000 UK adults to determine the most important factors when choosing a new home.

While property and garden size were the most important consideration overall for nearly every generation, with nearly 45 percent of participants voting this as their top priority, Gen-Z has a different view. 32 percent value proximity to a large town or city the most, narrowly surpassing property space, which was the second biggest concern for young buyers.

Regional survey data also shows that size and space are crucial for buyers across the UK – except for those in Brighton and Glasgow.

Nearly 37 percent of Brighton residents value property size and proximity to shops and cafes in equal measure. Similarly, almost 40 percent of Glaswegians prioritise closeness to shops and cafes over property size.

The most recent Brighton population statistics show that an estimated 64,800 residents are aged 19-31, meaning roughly 23 percent of the total population is Gen-Z or millennial.  With 64 percent of its residents describing Brighton – which was included in this year’s list of the world’s 50 best cities – as a lively place to be, it’s hardly surprising that the younger generation prioritises living in the city’s social hub.

Meanwhile, Glasgow was previously named the UK’s friendliest city and is considered a food capital, so it’s perhaps no surprise that Glaswegians are more invested in the social scene available than the size of their home.

But what else might be causing Gen-Z homebuyers to want to move closer to the city again, and why is space no longer the most significant thing they’re looking for?

1.Return to office culture and commuter costs

The pandemic previously caused a mass exodus from large towns and cities as millions shifted to working from home full-time and wanted more space and access to the countryside.

However, as of February 2025, 37 percent of UK workers now work in the office full-time, and companies are beginning to insist on workers returning to the office from hybrid or remote working.

Living close to where you work reduces long commutes, which likely makes urban living more appealing to Gen-Z.

Plus, house prices in commuter belts and historic towns have increased by three percent, and the cost of public transport during peak hours has increased, with London now having some of the most expensive public transport in the world. In light of this, Gen-Z may prefer to live closer to work to cut costs, even at the expense of property size.

2.Social life and convenience

Younger buyers often prioritise easy access to entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife. The ability to socialise without long journeys is a key consideration, as is the proximity to cultural and creative hubs.

Just one third of Gen-Z have a driving license, so cities offer better public transport links, making it easier to get around without needing to drive.

Smaller homes in city centres may also be more manageable for first-time buyers. The ‘return to the office’ shift may mean some may prioritise a central location over the need for a dedicated home office space.

3.Property value and practicality

A more compact city home can have financial and practical benefits. Smaller properties typically require less upkeep, saving homeowners time and money, and may have lower insurance premiums compared to larger properties, but this does depend on location and security measures in place.

City properties also often hold and gain value better than rural homes due to consistent demand.

David Joyson, Chief Customer Officer at specialist home insurer, Homeprotect, shares top insurance considerations for those looking to get on the urban property ladder:

* Do your homework

“Your choice of home should aim to balance practicality, affordability, lifestyle and security, though it can be tricky to tick all the boxes, and you may need to compromise somewhere.

“Checking how different postcodes will affect your insurance premiums will offer some insight into the safety and crime rates in the area as well as any risks that may come with purchasing a particular home.

“If possible, look for properties with good security measures, or consider adding them yourself to lower insurance premiums, and research the area to ensure your property is not at risk of flooding or subsidence.”

* Smaller properties aren’t necessarily cheaper to insure

“Smaller properties can be cheaper to insure, but there are multiple factors that can affect insurance pricing.

“Location is a big component, as properties in high-crime areas can require higher insurance premiums, regardless of size. City homes may be targeted due to being in higher footfall areas, but they do benefit from sometimes having more tight-knit communities and surveillance from neighbours.

* Multiple security solutions are crucial

“Invest in smart security solutions like video doorbells, motion sensor lights and app-connected security cameras, and protect your entry points with good quality locks (insurers often ask for those that comply with the British Standard BS3621, often a five-lever mortice deadlock) and burglar alarm systems. This will offer extra protection for peace of mind and may even reduce your insurance premium, as long as you notify your insurer of these features.

“Befriending neighbours can also serve you well living in a large town or city, as maintaining good relationships with them means they are likely to keep an eye on your property in your absence.

“You should also avoid leaving expensive items in view from windows and entryways, as this can make your home more likely to become a target for burglary.

“It’s worth looking into unoccupied home insurance if you intend to leave the home empty for more than 30 days, as your property may not be covered for this length of time on a standard home insurance policy.

“If you live in an area with a higher crime rate or wealthy residents, you may also want to consider high-theft area insurance for extra peace of mind.”