A third of men under 35 live with their parents but more young women move out
Family
A third of men under the age of 35 are still living with their parents, while women are much more likely to move out, government figures have revealed.
The number is a record high for any year outside of the pandemic, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Analysis by the ONS found that in 2023, 33 per cent of young men, equivalent to 2.2 million people, still lived in their parents’ home.
The only year that saw a higher proportion was 2021, when the figure hit 34 per cent. The first four months of the year were under lockdown and during the pandemic many people changed their living arrangements and moved back into their family home.
The figures for young men are in stark contrast to women of the same age. In 2023, less than a quarter (22 per cent or 1.4 million) young women were living in their parents’ household.
In total, 28 per cent of young people were estimated to be living with their parents.
The figures highlight the growing trend for young adults to stay in the family home.
In 1998, just 19.5 per cent of 20 to 34-year-olds lived with parents. By 2013, this had increased to 26 per cent. ONS records began in 1996, when 21 per cent of young adults lived with their parents.
The year which saw the smallest proportion of men living with their parents was 1999, when the figure was 25.8 per cent.
Izzy Walsh, a partner with Hall Brown Family Law, said that economic pressures could be a factor in the rise.
“Just as some couples move in together to save money, we shouldn’t be surprised to find a large proportion of people in this age bracket choosing to live with their parents instead,” she said.
“That is just at the moment when they would be expecting to embark on the road towards financial independence but the rise in living costs, combined, no doubt, with the pressures of securing employment, has put independent living beyond the means of many school and university graduates.
Secure their financial position
“Similarly, a shift in priorities means that careers are being put first by many young couples who want to secure their financial position before focusing on family life.
“The importance of being able to afford a home and family is why some individuals now place great importance on having a career before taking such important steps in their personal lives.”
Analysis by The Telegraph shows that the trend for young people aged 35 and under continuing to stay at their parental home has been increasing since 2010, when the figure was 28.4 per cent for men, 17.9 per cent for women and 23.1 per cent overall.
The ONS added: “It may be explained by factors such as staying in education and training for longer, formalising relationships and having children at older ages, and increased costs in renting or buying a home.”
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