The data from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) offers a clear view of the evolving living arrangements for 25 to 34-year-olds in the UK. With the number of young adults living with their parents rising from 13% in 2006 to 18% by last year, it's evident that economic factors are significantly impacting these trends. High rental costs and soaring house prices are primary drivers, making it financially difficult for young people to establish independence.
That equates to about 450,000 more young adults still living in the family home - with the increase concentrated on those in their late 20s, researchers found.
Of 25 to 34-year-olds, men were more likely than women to be living at home, at 23% compared with 15%.
The shift in this demographic's living situation also reflects broader social changes, such as delayed marriage and childbearing, increased ethnic diversity, and cultural factors. This trend peaked during the pandemic but remains a prominent feature of young adult life in more stable times. The continuing high cost of living alone underlines the challenges faced by many young adults in achieving financial autonomy, indicating that this issue may persist without significant changes in housing affordability or economic conditions.
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