Should I move back home to save for a house, or stay independent and protect the life I’ve built?

Im 25 and I’m feeling really torn about what decision makes the most sense for me financially and personally.

I currently live in the city and I genuinely love my lifestyle. Moving out was a huge step for me and I’ve loved having my own independence. I love being able to walk everywhere, go out spontaneously, try new restaurants, be close to friends, and just have the freedom that comes with living in the city.

I’ve also put a lot of effort into making my place feel like my own. It feels like my safe space and somewhere I can properly relax after work. My quality of life honestly improved a lot after moving out.

The reason I’m reconsidering everything is because of my flatmate.

If my living situation was different, I probably wouldn’t even be thinking about leaving. Unfortunately, living with her has become really difficult. She is very loud, messy, regularly brings her boyfriend over without any warning, and I’ve been caught off guard multiple times when entering shared spaces while he has been there (including situations where I felt uncomfortable because of what I was wearing).

She also keeps delaying sorting out bills despite me trying to get things organised. I have tried addressing these issues, but it’s usually met with “sorry, I forgot” and then nothing actually changes.

At this point, I’m considering whether I should get a 1-bed apartment and continue the life I’ve built, or whether I should temporarily move back home and save aggressively for a property.

My mum has offered to support me partially if I stay living independently, which I really appreciate, but I also don’t want to feel like I’m relying on my parents or being a burden.

The reason moving home is complicated is because although there were some good times, living at home wasn’t always a positive experience for me. It was quite a toxic environment at times, and I remember really struggling with it. I’m worried about going backwards and losing the independence I worked hard to create.

Also, where I live is much more suburban. It’s not far from the city, but it’s not somewhere where many people my age are, so I’d have to rely on transport every time I wanted to see friends, go out, or do things. It sounds small, but I really value the convenience and social life that comes with living where I am now.

Financially though, moving home would obviously be the strongest option:

• I could save much more aggressively
• build my LISA/house deposit faster
• potentially buy my own apartment sooner
• eventually rent out a second room and build equity

For context:

• I’m 25
• Salary is around £31k (with career progression hopefully increasing)
• I have around £8.8k saved in a LISA
• I’m responsible with rent and bills
• I’m working towards buying my own place

I feel stuck between wanting to protect the independence and lifestyle I’ve built, while also knowing that moving home could put me in a much stronger financial position.

If you were in my position, what would you do? Has anyone moved back home after gaining independence to save for a house, especially when home wasn’t always the easiest place to return to?