Who are the Young Adults Leaving their Parental Home? Family of Origin, Living Conditions and Starting an own Household

Numerous recent reports in the media point out that young adults, especially males, are leaving their parental home later than in the past. Youth research has demonstrated that leaving the parental home is closely related to the beginning of professional education or to occupational activities. Thus, the rising proportion of families who own a house or an apartment, and the better housing conditions as well as the rise of cohabitation should also be included in considerations on young adults leaving home.Based on an analysis of data from the socio-economic panels of the years 1984-1996 we discuss the age at which young adults leave their parental home and which factors influence the decision to move out. We show that for both sexes, in the eighties and the nineties, it is especially the housing situation at home and the age of beginning a close relationship which influence the age of leaving home. If young adults do not have a close partnership they tend to stay at home longer. Also, if parents own a large apartment and their children have ample space at their disposal, sons in particular will tend to stay longer in their parents household