London - Today’s “boomerang generation” of young adults living at home are often seen as the victims of high rents and even higher house prices.
But research suggests that many have chosen to live with their parents simply because they like it.
The study found that one in six adults aged 18 to 34 who lived in the family home did so because it gave them an easier life.
Many said they preferred it to living alone, with a partner or with friends.
They often lived a privileged life, with their doting parents still doing their washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning. About 84 percent of parents with grown-up children at home admitted doing laundry for them, while a quarter even tidied their bedrooms, the study found.
Almost half of young adults questioned admitted that they did no food shopping, and the same proportion paid no rent.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, one in eight had no plans to move out despite two-thirds having a job.
The research by thinkmoney.co.uk, which provides online current accounts, involved 500 young adults living at home and 500 parents whose grown-up children still lived with them.
Thinkmoney spokesman Ian Williams said: “There have been many reports in recent years that 20-somethings are being forced back into the family home because they can’t afford to get on the housing ladder or rent their own place.
“Whilst there is no doubt that finances are a key factor for the majority, a sizeable minority are choosing to live at home to enjoy an easy life.
“Not having to contribute financially or help out around the property certainly makes staying at home with mum and dad a cushy choice.”
The study found 57 percent of stay-at-home adults had never moved out, while 34 percent returned after university and nine percent had left “for a while”.
A record 3.3 million 20 to 34-year-olds live with their parents. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that half a million people aged 35 to 64 are also living in their family home, often still sleeping in their childhood bedroom.
Men are much more likely than women to stay at home.
The ONS said that 2.1 million “boomerang children” are men, while 1.2 million are women.
Experts have blamed the trend on the unattainable cost of a first home and low wages.
The ONS said earlier this year: “Housing affordability is often cited as a key reason for young adults to continue living in their parental home.” - Daily Mail