Young Adults in the EU: Housing Costs and Leaving Home Trends

In 2024, the average age at which young people in the European Union (EU) left their parental homes was 26.2 years, a slight decrease from 26.3 years in 2023. This figure has shown minor fluctuations since 2002, with the highest recorded age being 26.8 years in 2006. Notably, young adults in Croatia (31.3 years), Slovakia (30.9 years), Greece (30.7 years), Italy (30.1 years), and Spain (30.0 years) are among the latest to move out. In contrast, Nordic countries like Finland (21.4 years), Denmark (21.7 years), and Sweden (21.9 years) report significantly earlier departures.

When do young people in the EU leave home?

The Eurostat report highlights a concerning trend regarding housing costs, particularly affecting young adults. In 2024, 9.7% of young people aged 15-29 in the EU lived in households where housing costs consumed 40% or more of their disposable income, compared to 8.2% for the overall population. Greece and Denmark exhibited the highest housing cost overburden rates at 30.3% and 28.9%, respectively. Conversely, Croatia (2.1%), Cyprus (2.8%), and Slovenia (3.0%) reported the lowest rates.

Low housing cost burden for young people in Cyprus, Eurostat reportsEU Report: Greeks Among the Oldest to Leave the Family Nest -

Greece stands out as a notable exception in the EU landscape. Despite young Greeks leaving home at an average age of 30.7 years, they face one of the highest housing cost burdens. This situation has worsened since the financial crisis, with rising housing costs making independence increasingly difficult for young adults. The paradox lies in the fact that while young Greeks delay moving out, they simultaneously endure significant financial pressure due to housing costs.

Greece Tops EU for Housing Costs, Keeping Young Adults at Parents’ Home

The data indicates a correlation between the age of leaving home and the burden of housing costs. In countries where young people tend to move out earlier, such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Finland, the housing cost burden is often greater. In contrast, nations where young adults remain at home longer, like Cyprus, Croatia, and Italy, generally report lower housing cost pressures. However, Greece's situation diverges from this trend, combining a later average age of leaving home with high housing costs.

Greece Tops EU for Housing Costs, Keeping Young Adults at Parents’ HomeEU Report: Greeks Among the Oldest to Leave the Family Nest -

Critics argue that the high housing cost overburden in Greece reflects broader economic challenges and inadequate housing policies. The burden on young adults is seen as a significant barrier to achieving independence, which could have long-term implications for the country's demographic and economic landscape.

When do young people in the EU leave home?

• “However, in Greece, despite young people leaving home later, the housing cost overburden remains high for them.” — Eurostat

When do young people in the EU leave home?

• “Greece, however, is an outlier: despite its late average age of independence, it also faces some of the highest housing cost burdens in Europe – making it an exception to the broader EU trend.” — Greek Reporter

EU Report: Greeks Among the Oldest to Leave the Family Nest -

This analysis underscores the complex interplay between housing costs and the age at which young adults leave their parental homes across the EU, with Greece presenting a particularly challenging scenario.

Greece Tops EU for Housing Costs, Keeping Young Adults at Parents’ Home