Many adults living at home are tired of their parents butting into their business and judging them, but most can’t afford to move, new survey shows.
Half of adults still living with their mums and dads are fed up with their housing situation – complaining about cramped conditions, family rows and being treated like children. In a recent survey many expressed frustrations at their parents interfering in their personal lives, with many admitting it’s hard to maintain relationships – romantic or otherwise – while still living at home.
The study carried out by Skipton Group for its Home Affordability Index found many feel they have lost their sense of freedom and even felt a sense of lost youth. But insane house prices and rising energy bills mean many have little choice.
A separate study reported that less than 10 per cent of adults living with their parents can afford to buy the typical first-time buyer property in their local area, dropping even further in London, the East of England, and the Southwest.
Stacey Dickens from Skipton’s Home Affordability Index, said: “Living in the family home can be a lifeline for many young adults especially when incomes are stretched, and the cost of living remains high.”
“For some, it’s about easing financial pressure after a setback, while for others it’s a deliberate choice by parents to help their children build up savings for the future.” However, Stacey added that these stats only highlight how challenging the housing market has become for first-time buyers.
Nearly half have already stayed at home longer than anticipated, with a third feeling they have outstayed their welcome.
While a third of those at home currently pay rent, 18 per cent are allowed to live rent-free to help save for a deposit. However, the majority admit this is taking much longer than they thought, as a third say their income is too low or unpredictable to afford it.
On average, they have just over £11,500 set aside, with 53 per cent saying they would feel more prepared to move out if their earnings were more secure. While 43 per cent want better access to affordable housing and rent support.
Stacey added: “Young adults aren’t failing to ‘make the most’ of the situation; they’re caught in a system where even the most disciplined saving, combined with generous parental support, still doesn’t open the door for them to home ownership.
“The trade-off between financial prudence and personal freedom, coupled with knock-on delayed life milestones such as being fully independent, getting married or having a family, only emphasises how difficult things have become, and how it needs to change.”
TOP 15 FRUSTRATIONS FOR ADULTS LIVING AT HOME WITH PARENTS:
- Lack of personal space.
- Limited freedom compared to living alone.
- Tension or arguments over small things.
- Feeling like I’ve lost my independence.
- Feeling judged or criticised.
- Parent/s getting involved in my personal life.
- Having to justify my choices.
- Constant questions or check-ins.
- Being treated like I’m younger than I am.
- Feeling like I’m being parented despite being an adult.
- Not feeling like an equal adult in the home.
- Difficulty maintaining adult relationships (e.g. romantic, friendships).
- Different standards around cleanliness or tidiness.
- Struggling to set boundaries.
- Feeling guilty spending money when it could be used to move out.