Half of adults living at home with their parents are frustrated with their living situations – bemoaning a lack of space, rising tensions and not being treated like an adult. A poll of 2,000 adults who live with their parents found that 36 per cent feel like they have lost their independence. Meanwhile, 34 per cent are tired of being judged by their folks, while 33 per cent are sick of mum and dad interfering in their personal lives.
A third confessed it’s challenging to sustain romantic or platonic relationships bonds while living at home. However, seven in 10 have never had the opportunity to move out – resulting in 51 per cent experiencing a feeling of squandered youth.
The study was commissioned by Skipton Group as part of its Home Affordability Index, which separately discovered that fewer than 10% of adults living with their parents can afford the typical first-time buyer property in their local area, this figure drops to 1.5% in London, the East of England, and the Southwest.
Stacey Dickens from Skipton’s Home Affordability Index, said: « Aspiring first-time buyers would be forgiven for thinking of all the benefits of staying in the family home for longer when it comes to saving up to move out.
« The cost of buying or even just running a home are now so far removed from what many people can afford even this, and years of free laundry, Wi-Fi, and Sunday roasts don’t get you much closer to making it a reality. »
A third of those living at home are part of the so-called ‘boomerang generation’ – adults who once moved out but later returned home. Nearly half have already remained at home for longer than anticipated, with a third feeling they have outstayed their welcome.
The research, which was conducted via OnePoll, also disclosed nine in 10 hope to leave the nest eventually, but 82 per cent of those putting money aside for a deposit say they are still a long way off.
Some 18 per cent say they aren’t charged rent so they can save for a deposit, but the majority confess this is taking far longer than they anticipated, blaming a low or unpredictable income.
On average, adults living at home have just over £11,500 set aside, with 53 per cent saying they would feel more prepared to leave home if their earnings were more secure. Meanwhile 43 per cent want better access to affordable housing and rent support.
Stacey Dickens from Skipton Group 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
