As the number of adult children living at home in the UK continues to rise, a recent survey by Legal & General highlights the growing trend of multi-generational living. The survey, which gathered responses from over 2,000 UK adults, delves into the reasons behind this increase and sheds light on the benefits and challenges of living under one roof.

According to the survey, nearly half (46%) of older millennials (aged 35–44) attribute their living arrangements to the cost-of-living crisis. The soaring costs of independent living, such as high rents and utility bills, have forced many families to live together longer than they might have planned.

Overall, 30% of adults in the UK live in a multi-generational home, with this number rising to 53% for 18–24-year-olds, highlighting the difficulties younger adults face in achieving independence. London and Birmingham lead the country in multi-generational households, with 38% of respondents from these cities reporting they live with two or more adult generations.

The study found that allowing family members to live at home while saving for a deposit results in an average of £32,600 in forgone rental payments, a significant contribution towards property ownership for many young adults. Legal & General’s “Bank of Family” research further revealed that many young people are choosing to stay at home for an average of three years to save money for a deposit, with the average family contributing £27,400 to help their loved ones purchase a home.

The cost-of-living crisis has made multi-generational living necessary for many, with 67% of respondents viewing it as a practical solution to financial pressures. In areas like Northern Ireland, the North West, and Greater London, residents were most likely to cite the cost-of-living crisis as the main reason for living in multi-generational homes.

Beyond financial savings, 49% of survey respondents see reduced household bills as the main advantage of living with multiple generations, with older individuals more likely to acknowledge this benefit. The arrangement also fosters close family bonds, with 46% of women citing this as the primary advantage and 55% of older respondents (65–76 years old) valuing assistance with elderly care.

Despite the many benefits, not all respondents were open to the idea of sharing their homes with family members. Eighteen per cent stated they would not be willing to let any family members move in, with men (22%) being more resistant than women (15%). When asked which family members would be most welcome, adult children aged 18 and above topped the list, with 51% of respondents aged 65–76: the age group most likely to have adult children, open to letting them live at home for support.

The survey also highlighted that a significant portion of family members were willing to provide rent-free accommodation. Over one-third (35%) of respondents have already welcomed adult family members without charging rent, and a further 39% were open to offering similar support in the future.

But there was less enthusiasm for in-laws and grandparents moving in, with only 11% and 14% of respondents open to the idea, respectively. Interestingly, Gen Z adults (18–24) were most likely to live with a sibling, with 48% of respondents viewing it as an ideal arrangement to split costs.

While 42% of respondents see multi-generational living as a positive experience, 15% view it negatively. Younger adults, especially those aged 25–34, tend to have a more favourable outlook, with 48% embracing the idea as an opportunity to save money while maintaining close family ties. Respondents in Plymouth were particularly positive, with 59% expressing favourable views, compared to Edinburgh, where the negative sentiment towards multi-generational living was more prevalent.

Andrew Dennis, a 28-year-old Financial Reporting Oversight Supervisor, managed to buy his first home in Abercynon, near Cardiff, for £123,000 by moving back to his parents’ house during the pandemic. Spending a year at home helped Andrew save around £12,000, as he cut back on rent and commuting costs. While he did not receive any direct financial support from his parents, Andrew used his own salary and a Help to Buy ISA to achieve his goal of homeownership.

The survey revealed that cultural traditions and expectations also play a role in multi-generational living, especially among those aged 25–34, where 24% cited cultural reasons for their living arrangements. This trend is particularly pronounced in the South East of England, where 27% of respondents live in multi-generational households.

Paula Llewellyn, chief customer and strategy officer at Legal & General, said: “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.”