Nestleavers and Nestfearers: A Cross-Country Comparison
Young Europeans tend to extend their hotel stays past the typical checkout time.
It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's young adults transitioning into independence! In Germany, the average age gap at this milestone was a staggering 1.5 years in 2024: while women left home at 23.1, men followed suit at 24.6. overall, Germany's youth population moves out earlier (23.9 years) compared to the EU average (26.2).
These findings were based on statistics from Germany's Federal Statistical Office, supported by Eurostat. Surprisingly, seven EU countries have a younger average moving-out age than Germany, including the Scandinavian nations, the Netherlands (23.2), and France (23.5). Shockingly, Finnish and Danish youngsters migrate from home at an alarming rate of 21.4 and 21.7 years, respectively. On the flip side, Croatia (31.3 years), Slovakia (30.9 years), and Greece (30.7 years) are home to parents with reluctant renters.
The study reveals a startling gender divide among the young adults who choose to stay put: 33.8% of 25-year-old men in Germany still lived with their parents compared to a mere 22.4% of women in the same age group.
Scandinavia's Embracing Independence
Scandinavia's youth seems to be in a hurry to spread their wings. One key reason for their early departure is the financial support these countries offer students, apprentices, and trainees, regardless of their parents' income. The availability of affordable student dormitories and state-subsidized apartments also contributes to the swift exit. In areas with low population density, like Northern Sweden and Finland, the distance to higher educational institutions necessitates an early move-out. Lastly, the Scandinavian culture puts a premium on independence and individualism. Parents often nurture their children's adventurous spirits and yearning for freedom.
Greece: Family Ties Bind
The thought of moving out is considered taboo in Greece and Cyprus. High rents, lack of well-paid jobs, and a strong family bond force young people to continue living with their parents. In Greece, parents typically offer accommodations and financial assistance to their children, who in turn lend a hand during times of need or old age.
Italy: Between 'Bamboccioni' and 'Boomerang Generation'
Italy's youth faces an entrenched stereotype: the 'Bamboccioni', young adults who live with their parents for lack of independence or convenience. However, the reality is harsh: low employment rates for young Italians, coupled with a rising number of those neither in education nor employed (about one in seven people aged 15 to 29), leave many with no other choice but to stay with their parents.
Italy is also on the brink of a 'Boomerang Generation'— referred to as people who return to their parents' homes after years of independence. Financial constraints, loneliness, and the quest for familial support are driving factors for this phenomenon.
Tough Real Estate Market in Slovakia
During the real socialism era, the Slovak state provided housing. After the transition, apartments were privatized, and very few new ones were built. In booming cities like Bratislava, developers prioritize office properties over residential ones. The challenges faced by young Slovaks in finding rental apartments extend their stay with their parents, forcing them to save money before striking out on their own.
In summary, a myriad of cultural, financial, and social factors influence the decision of young adults to live independently or continue residing with their parents. Scandinavian countries champion early independence, fueled by cultural values, financial support systems, and housing options. In contrast, countries like Croatia boast extended family structures, economic constraints, and job markets that force youth to embrace a more protracted dependency on their parents.
- Despite Scandinavian countries having a lower average age for young adults moving out, the housing market in Slovakia presents challenges for independence due to a lack of rental apartments, deteriorating the situation for Slovak youth.
- In contrast to Scandinavia's emphasis on early independence, Greece's family culture binds young people to parents, in part due to high rents, a lack of well-paid jobs, and strong family bonds.
- To secure housing, Germany's young adults transition into independence earlier on average compared to the EU, taking advantage of the housing market and financial support systems to invest in their own residences or lifestyles.
