As the UK sees an increase in adult children living at home, with ONS data revealing that the number of families with adult children living at home rose by 13.6% from 2011 to 2021, Legal & General surveyed over 2,000 UK adults to uncover their perspectives on life under one roof.
The survey revealed that overall, 30% of UK residents live in a multi-generational household, with men tending to stay living in the family home more (32%) compared to women (27%).
London and Birmingham ranked as the UK cities with the highest rates of multi-generational living, with 38% of respondents living in the same home with two or more adult generations.
In the UK, more than half – 53% – of 18–24 year-olds live in multigenerational housing, the highest percentage of all age groups surveyed.
The second highest age group in multigenerational households were 25–34 year-olds (44%). This trend is driven by soaring rents and increased living costs, making it difficult for young adults to afford to live independently.
Legal & General looked at the reasons behind multigenerational living today and found that 16% of people in the UK live in multi-generational households due to cultural traditions and expectations. This is most common among 25-34 year-olds (24%) and in the South East of England, where 27% of respondents live in multi-generational households.
Finances play a key role in multi-generational living, as independent living and running a household can be expensive. The cost-of-living crisis has led 67% of respondents to see multi-generational households as necessary, with 40% citing it as the main reason for living in a multi-generational household.
The survey reveals that respondents living in Northern Ireland (55%), the North-West (46%), and Greater London (44%) were most likely to cite the cost-of-living crisis as the reason they live in a multi-generational household.
Legal & General’s recent Bank of Family research also revealed many young people are opting to live at home to save money for a deposit, staying an average of three years. The research estimates allowing family members to live at home whilst saving for a property deposit results in an average rent saving of £32,600.
The study also revealed that the ‘Bank of Family’ is expected to gift a record £9.2bn this year to help loved ones buy a home, with the report estimating average contributions of £27,400.
The Under One Roof study found that in contrast to those embracing multi-generational living, 18% of respondents would not be willing to let any family member move in with them, with more men (22%) than women (15%) opposed to the idea of living with family.
When it came to the family members most likely to move in, ‘adult children’ aged 18 and above were the most welcome. 51% of 65 – 76-year-olds, the age group likely to have adult children, were also the most likely to let their adult children live with them for support.
The recent Bank of Family research from Legal & General revealed that more than a third (35%) of relatives have welcomed adult family members to live with them rent-free, with a further 39% open to providing similar support to their adult children in the future.
Only 11% of participants would be open to having their in-laws move in with them. Grandparents fared slightly better, with 14% of respondents open to having them move into the same household as them. The survey revealed that Gen Z adults (18- to 24-year-olds) are the most likely to live with a sibling, and 48% of respondents were open to the option, which is ideal for splitting the costs.
Overall, 42% of respondents see multi-generational living as positive, compared to 15% who view it negatively. 48% of 25–34-year-olds have a favourable view of living with multiple generations, perhaps seeing it as a way to save money whilst being close to their family.
Nearly half (46%) of women see the closer family bonds as the main advantage of multi-generational living, while 55% of older respondents (65–76 years old) value assistance with elderly care.
Respondents in Edinburgh had the highest percentage of adverse reactions towards multi-generational living, whereas 59% of respondents in Plymouth had the most positive response within the UK.
Paula Llewellyn, chief customer and strategy officer at Legal and General, commented: “As the UK faces rising living costs and evolving lifestyle habits, our study reveals how financial pressures, cultural expectations, and family bonds shape multi-generational living. Britons value the benefits of shared households, reflecting a broader shift towards intergenerational support and adaptability in modern living arrangements.”
I wouldn’t call multigenerational living “popular” more of a necessity given property and rental prices. Although a financial squeeze It was possible about 40 years ago (when we bought our first house) for a single person of average means to get themselves on the housing ladder after a spell of living at home and saving up a deposit and it was even easier for a couple, despite higher interest rates than we have today. Of course, there was a much lower population then, so lower demand which kept property prices within the limits average people could afford.
Multigenerational housing was a big thing in the past in the UK when working class poverty was more endemic. There is a lot to be said for multi-generational housing. There are cost savings in many areas including childcare for those that work, welfare costs for the elderly and also Council tax and utility bill savings (as long as you all get on).
Now poverty is slowly becoming endemic again and as living costs rise, and housing becomes less and less affordable due to low wages and low supply we can expect an increasing return to the “good old days” of multi-generational housing as the UK slowly slips down the world rankings to become a third world country.
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So, when you break it down, the property ‘crisis’ is due to our massive unplanned population increase over the past 10 years. Yet, nobody in authority is prepared to talk about it.
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More nudging towards the acceptance of the inter-generational mortgage…..
Aka : Family lifetime mortgage.
It’s true that statistically life expectancy increases with this.
But it’s the perfect next step to maintain this house price set of ratios.
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