Spain is facing a growing social reality that is increasingly moving to the centre of public debate: a large share of young adults simply cannot afford to move out of the family home. According to recent data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), around 67 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds still live with their parents – one of the highest rates in Europe.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The issue is even more pronounced among younger people: among 18- to 25-year-olds, the share rises to around 93 per cent, while in the 26- to 34-year-old age group, nearly half (around 44 per cent) still do not live independently.
Housing market as the main cause
The main reason for this development lies in Spain’s housing market. Prices for rents and property have risen sharply in recent years, particularly in large cities and tourist regions. At the same time, wages for many young workers have remained relatively low.
For many, this means that even with a full-time job, income is often not enough to cover rent, living costs and savings for a home of their own.
A generation without financial room to manoeuvre
The study also shows that a significant share of young adults achieve little financial independence. Only a small proportion say they are actively saving for a home of their own. According to the data, many do not even see themselves in a position to move out in the near future.
This creates a social picture that experts increasingly describe as a structural problem: a generation that is economically active, but has little access to independent housing.
Late independence becomes the norm
The average age at which people move out of the parental home in Spain is now around 30 years – significantly higher than in many other European countries. While this step towards independence previously typically occurred in the early or mid-twenties, this stage of life is increasingly being delayed.
For many young people, living in the parental home is therefore no longer a temporary phase, but a long-term solution out of financial necessity.
Causes: more than just high rents
In addition to high property prices, several structural factors also play a decisive role. These include low entry-level salaries, insecure employment, high living costs, and a limited housing supply in many cities.
The situation is further exacerbated in metropolitan areas, where demand for housing continues to rise while supply does not grow at the same pace, causing prices to drift further apart.
Social consequences
Social experts are increasingly warning about the long-term effects of this development. Limited housing options not only delay economic independence, but also key life decisions such as starting a family or building up wealth.
There is a growing social divide between a generation that is able to achieve home ownership and independence, and one that is increasingly being excluded from it.
