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In the UK, rents and living costs are rising. After struggling to make ends meet, many young people are deciding to move back in with their families.
The phenomenon of young people moving back in with their parents is becoming increasingly common in the UK.
According to a 2021 survey by the UK Office for National Statistics, the number of young people living with their parents is now 620,000 higher than a decade ago.
This trend is expected to continue in the future. The cause is believed to be the cost of living crisis and skyrocketing rents.
Yahoo News reports that new tenants will have to pay an extra £125 (about155 USD) (11.1%) compared to the same period last year. In addition, food price inflation in the UK also hit a record high of 19.1% in March.
“People’s perceptions are changing. Once taboo, living with family is now seen as a practical necessity. It is a conscious decision that makes young people more likely to receive financial support from their relatives,” said Katharine Hill, director of the charity Care for the Family.
The Guardian shares the stories of three young people in the UK about why they choose to live with their families.
“Breathe easier”
In 2020, while still on a marketing apprenticeship, Chloe Kerfoot, 21, left university and moved back in with her parents in West Yorkshire, Northern Ireland. She was content living in a shared apartment with them and her younger brother.
Chloe Kerfoot saves more money by moving back in with her family
“My family and I are quite close, everyone always loves and supports me. Having more members means less housework, I have a comfortable place to live, it's a win-win situation," Kerfoot shared.
Now her life is more stable. After work, she often goes to the gym in the evening, then chats and talks with her family.
Kerfoot also saved more money by spending just £250 (approx.310 USD) for food and drink.
She confidently buys the things she likes, such as exercise equipment or nice sneakers. Occasionally meeting friends, the young girl also comfortably goes out without worrying about having to save money for rent.
Kerfoot stressed that he would struggle with many expenses if he rented his own home.
In a few years, when her job is more stable, she will consider moving out on her own. Kerfoot is not interested in finding a roommate, she only wants to live alone or with a lover, otherwise she will choose to return to her family.
However, Kerfoot also felt uncomfortable at times.
“When you go to college, everyone wants to move out. But now I have to answer the question ‘What time will you be home?’ Every time I go out, I have to talk to my parents first,” she said.
Reduce costs
“I want to have my own place and space, but in reality, the cost of buying a house doesn't give me the right to choose,” Hanna (27 years old) shared.
She has rented a few houses in the past, but finances have been a major barrier. Hannah cannot afford to buy a house near family and friends and is still trying to save money. She said many of her friends are also renting and have no savings.
The cost of living crisis is a huge pressure for many young people in the UK.
“My rent doubled when I moved out, it felt like I was paying extra taxes for living alone,” she said.
At the end of 2021, after ending her relationship, Hannah moved back to live with her mother in Dorset (UK). She felt quite lucky because her mother was also happy with her decision.
Hannah stresses that living with family has many advantages. Although she still pays for maintenance, she no longer has to pay rent.
Impact of the pandemic
Joe Pollitt (24 years old), a cost engineer, has lived with his father since he was 18 in Bolton (UK). Pollitt had wanted to move out, but the plan was thwarted by the pandemic.
After graduating, he started an apprenticeship and worked at two different places. However, he went bankrupt in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Post-pandemic, Joe Pollitt still faces financial difficulties
“I am currently working for a large company. My job is more stable, although my life is still affected by the pandemic,” he shared.
Pollitt lost contact with many of his friends. His outings and meetings were reduced to once or twice a month.
“I was stuck at home for a long time and now it's even harder to pay for living expenses,” he confided.
In June 2022, his father, 51, suffered a stroke. Pollitt's life was turned upside down once again.
His father used to work as a truck driver, but his eyesight is not good anymore. Pollitt is responsible for his father's care, which has forced him to adjust his personal life to cook, clean, and take his father to the doctor.
“The cost of living is so high, it’s hard to live on my own and pay my own bills. I pay £500 a month in rent at the moment and try to save a little more, but it’s very difficult,” he said.
Pollitt, however, is no exception.
“In fact, most of my friends also live with their parents and are not married. The number of people moving out to rent or buy a house is very small,” Pollitt shared.
By Family
