SKN | Young Adults Living with Parents Represent Future Homebuyers Delayed by Affordability

A record 25.2 million Americans under age 35 lived with their parents in 2025, according to a new Realtor.com report, highlighting affordability—not employment—as the primary barrier to homeownership.

The report found that many young adults living at home are employed and college educated, suggesting they remain viable future homebuyers with the right financial guidance and housing opportunities.

For Florida Realtors, the findings present an opportunity to educate first-time buyers on starter homes, financing options, and state down payment assistance programs.

Affordability Continues to Delay Homeownership

A growing number of young adults remain at home with their parents as rising housing costs continue to postpone their path to homeownership.

According to Realtor.com, approximately 25.2 million adults under the age of 35 were living with their parents in 2025, representing roughly one in three people within that age group. The figure remains close to the elevated levels first seen during the pandemic, underscoring the ongoing affordability challenges facing younger households.

Rather than signaling a lack of financial stability or workforce participation, the data suggests many potential first-time buyers are delaying purchases because affordable housing options remain limited.

Employment and Education Remain Strong

The report indicates that the majority of young adults living with parents remain actively employed.

Approximately 70% of adults aged 25 to 34 who live at home have jobs, while about one-third of those aged 25 to 29 hold four-year college degrees.

These findings suggest many prospective buyers possess the educational background and employment necessary to enter the housing market but continue to face affordability constraints driven by higher home prices, mortgage rates, and limited entry-level inventory.

Opportunity for Florida Realtors

For Florida real estate professionals, the report highlights an opportunity to engage buyers earlier in their homeownership journey.

Rather than viewing young adults living with parents as absent from the market, Realtors can help them understand realistic purchasing timelines, compare the long-term costs of renting versus buying, and identify affordable starter-home opportunities.

Connecting prospective buyers with mortgage professionals and educating them about available financing solutions may help bridge the gap between financial readiness and homeownership.

Down Payment Assistance Can Reduce Barriers

Florida offers several programs designed to help eligible first-time buyers overcome upfront purchasing costs.

Programs such as the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program provide financial assistance to qualifying homebuyers, while Florida Housing also offers down payment and closing cost assistance through participating first mortgage loan programs.

These initiatives can reduce one of the largest barriers facing younger buyers and improve access to homeownership for households that may already have stable incomes but limited savings.

Housing Supply Remains the Primary Challenge

According to Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, affordability—not employment—is driving the trend.

“The adults living with their parents today are largely employed, and many hold college degrees. What’s holding them back isn’t a lack of qualifications, but rather, at least in part, a lack of housing they can actually afford,” Jones said. “This is a supply story, not an employment story.”

The findings reinforce broader industry concerns that expanding housing supply, particularly affordable entry-level homes, remains essential to improving homeownership opportunities for younger generations.

Bottom Line

The growing number of young adults living with their parents reflects persistent affordability challenges rather than weakened financial readiness. As housing costs remain elevated, many employed and educated prospective buyers continue to delay homeownership while building savings and evaluating their options. For Florida Realtors, providing education on financing, assistance programs, and realistic purchasing strategies may help convert today’s delayed buyers into tomorrow’s homeowners.

As affordability continues to shape housing decisions nationwide, first-time buyers are increasingly seeking guidance that extends beyond property searches. Realtors who provide education on financing options, down payment assistance, and long-term homeownership planning are likely to play an increasingly important role in helping younger households successfully enter the market.