Understanding intergenerational co-residence in the UK: New insights from the UK Generations and Gender Survey

Berrington, Ann and Perelli-Harris, Brienna , Mcgowan, Teresa (ed.) (2024) Understanding intergenerational co-residence in the UK: New insights from the UK Generations and Gender Survey (ESRC Centre for Population Change and Connecting Generations Working Paper Series, 108) ESRC Centre for Population Change 32pp.

Abstract

Existing evidence has highlighted significant increases in the proportion of young adults living with a parent. However, few quantitative data sources collect direct information on motivations for leaving home or current intergenerational coresidence. This study investigates reasons for home leaving and for remaining in the parental home in the UK, using the 2022/23 UK Generations and Gender Survey (GGS) and how these differ by gender and parental socioeconomic status. Among 18-34 year-olds who had ever left home, leaving for college and university is the most common reason for first departure, followed by leaving to live with a partner. Reasons for first departure are similar for males and females, although females from less well-off backgrounds are more likely to leave to live with a partner. Economic reasons for intergenerational coresidence predominate reflecting high housing costs and the cost-of-living crisis. Those out of work are more likely to say that they cannot afford to live independently, whilst those in work are most likely to say that they are living with parent(s) in order to save for future housing costs. A significant minority give more positive reasons for living with their parent(s). Whilst younger adults from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to cite the convenience that parental coresidence affords, those from less well-off backgrounds, especially males, are more likely to report that are happy living with their parent(s) or not ready to leave.

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Contributors

Author: Ann Berrington

Author: Brienna Perelli-Harris

Editor: Teresa Mcgowan

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