A stark new survey has revealed that a majority of young people in London are contemplating an exit from the capital, driven to the brink by a punishing combination of high housing costs, rising taxes, and inflation.
The Scale of the Discontent
The latest City AM/Freshwater Strategy poll, conducted between 28 and 30 November 2025, paints a worrying picture for London's future. It found that 47 per cent of all Londoners have thought about moving away. This figure jumps significantly among the younger demographic, with 54 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 considering leaving London. Perhaps more tellingly, one in four young Londoners are not just thinking about it but are actively researching a move.
Financial Pressures Pushing People Out
The primary catalyst for this potential exodus is a relentless financial squeeze. Soaring rents, food inflation, and the near-impossibility of saving for a housing deposit are putting home ownership out of reach for many. The poll data underscores the housing crisis: over one in four renters and one in six mortgage holders in London are likely to relocate within the next six months due to housing costs alone.
Compounding the problem are tax policies. The Chancellor's decision to extend the freeze on income tax thresholds is predicted to hit young professionals hardest, with some facing marginal tax rates exceeding 50 per cent. Chris Eldridge, CEO at Robert Walters UK&I, warned that real wage stagnation is a "stark warning to the nation’s employers." He added that tax burdens dampening pay growth could "drive an exodus, particularly of top talent," as professionals seek better salaries elsewhere.
Broader Quality of Life Concerns
The survey indicates that the financial strain is eroding broader aspects of London life. 37 per cent of respondents believe high street shopping has deteriorated, while one in four feel the experience of eating out and going to the pub has worsened. This decline in everyday amenities further diminishes the capital's appeal.
The trend of departure may also be larger than previously understood. The poll report notes that last year, 257,000 British nationals left the UK—a figure more than three times higher than the initial official estimate of 77,000.
Method note: Freshwater Strategy interviewed 500 eligible voters in London, aged 18+, online. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%, with data weighted to be representative of London voters.
