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(qlmbusinessnews.com . Wed 24th Sep, 2025) London, UK —
Navigating the UK Housing Crisis: Strategies for Young Britons Striving for Independence
Leoni Clancey and her partner had dedicated years to saving with the aim of moving into their very first leased home together, stepping away from living with their parents. However, within a span of nine months, the harsh reality of escalating living expenses depleted all their savings, propelling them back to their family homes. Now 21, Leoni finds herself sharing a room with her 10-year-old sister.
The rising cost of maintaining a home has become a formidable barrier for an increasing number of young Britons who are finding themselves unable to afford their own abode, caution industry specialists.
Recent figures from property and financial services group Skipton indicate that nearly 90% of young adults in the UK who reside with their parents would end up allocating almost half of their earnings to cover living expenses if they were to move out.
Leoni, while maintaining a good relationship with her mother and sister, expresses her distress, “it just doesn't feel like it's my space.”
“It’s disheartening, not being able to lead the life we once did, losing our independence. It just doesn’t seem fair,” she remarks.
Leoni felt compelled by the circumstances, stating, “The cost of running a home today is simply exorbitant.”
“Initially, I had savings set aside, but by the time we moved back, they were exhausted,” she admits, citing utilities, council tax, and rent as the main financial strains.
The demographic of adults living with their parents while not engaged in education or caring responsibilities has seen an uptick from 4.2 million in 2011 to 4.9 million in 2021, as reported by the Office for National Statistics.
The Skipton Group, through research conducted with Oxford Economics for its biannual Home Affordability Index, found that almost 98% of adults residing with their parents could not afford the average first-time home buyer's price in their locality.
Even with a potential deposit, nine out of ten would struggle with the combined costs of mortgage or rent, alongside council tax, utility bills, insurance, and maintenance, absorbing nearly half their income. This financial burden lessens slightly for those purchasing a flat, affecting eight in ten.
These figures are predicated on single-person purchases within the same local authority area as their parents’ residence.
Stuart Haire, Skipton Group's chief executive, empathizes with the plight of these young people, stressing the need for resolution to what he describes as a missed opportunity.
The study also sheds light on the financial implications for parents, who face potential income loss if unable to downsize due to older children living at home.
Meanwhile, Propertymark, the UK's estate agents’ trade body, acknowledges the growing financial challenge for many, especially newcomers to the housing market, urging a societal recognition of the heavier financial load borne by first-time homeowners compared to established ones.
Leoni and her partner are resolved to stay living with their parents for the foreseeable future, saving up afresh not only for a home deposit but also to manage subsequent costs.
Dan Wilson Craw of Generation Rent highlights the need for more social housing and a variety of homes in job-rich regions to alleviate the accommodation crisis, thereby aiding young individuals in commencing their careers and personal lives.
The government points to the increment in minimum wage as a supportive measure but acknowledges the widespread issue of young people being priced out of homeownership. It pledges to tackle this by committing to the construction of 1.5 million homes deemed necessary for the nation.
For those yearning for their own space, the article suggests considering joint purchases with a sibling or friend, exploring lender offers that ease initial mortgage payments, taking advantage of the Lifetime ISA scheme for a government-topped savings pot towards a deposit, and investigating shared ownership schemes, with additional support available for first-time buyers in Wales.
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