A recent study by Otodom has shed light on the current living arrangements of young adults in Poland, revealing a mix of economic challenges and optimistic outlooks. The report indicates that 24% of young adults still living with their parents, termed “nesters,” believe they have a chance to secure a mortgage for their first home in the current economic climate. Moreover, 40% are hopeful about future market changes and potential financial assistance.
The study draws on data from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), showing significant variations across EU countries. While only 2% of young working adults live with their parents in Finland and Sweden, the figure soars to 65% in Croatia and 60% in Slovakia. Poland, with 42% of working young adults aged 25-34 living at home, exceeds the EU average. Comparable figures include 12% in Germany and France, 40% in Ireland, 48% in Italy, and over 50% in Portugal and Greece.
In Poland, there are 1.7 million “nesters,” 63% of whom are employed. Financial difficulties are the primary reason for staying at home, cited by 38% of respondents, followed by the ability to save money (35%). On average, Polish young adults leave the family home at around 27 years old, compared to 21 in Finland and 31 in Croatia.
Interestingly, the number of “nesters” in Poland decreased by 300,000 between 2018 and 2022. Eurofound suggests that strong family ties and limited government support for young adults in Southern and Eastern Europe contribute to prolonged cohabitation with parents.
The Otodom report, titled “Happy Home. Housing Over Time,” highlights that 34% of respondents stay home to maintain close family contact, and 47% of 25-34-year-olds choose to live with their parents for reasons other than financial constraints. Nonetheless, 50% are eager to move out as soon as possible.
Poland is currently experiencing the fastest growth in housing prices in Europe. Unlike the fluctuating prices in Germany, France, and Italy, Polish real estate prices have been steadily rising for over a decade. In major cities like Warsaw, the average price per square meter for new housing is 17,500 PLN, while secondary market prices reach 18,500 PLN.
The government’s “Start Credit” program aims to assist young singles under 35 with preferential financing, provided their monthly net income does not exceed 7,000 PLN. However, the program’s impact may be limited without a long-term, strategic housing policy. Agata Stachowiak of Otodom emphasizes the need for comprehensive housing development strategies, including social and municipal housing projects, to effectively support young adults in achieving independence.