While young adults across Europe aspire to independence, the path to leaving the parental home is far from uniform. Eurostat's 2025 statistics reveal deep divides in housing situations across the continent, with significant differences in the average age at which young people begin living independently.
In the European Union, the average age for moving out of the family home is 26.3. Luxembourg, however, stands above this average, with young residents leaving home at 26.6 years old. This figure is notably higher than in neighbouring countries, where young people tend to leave home much earlier.
For example, in France the average age for leaving the parental home is 23.8, while in Germany it is 24.1. Of Luxembourg's neighbours, only Belgium approaches Luxembourg's figures, with young Belgians leaving home at 26.2 years, which matches the EU average.
A closer look across Europe shows significant cultural and economic differences in the age at which young adults leave home. There is a 10-year gap between the average age at which Finns and Croatians move out, highlighting the diversity of experiences and expectations across the continent.
Luxembourg's average has remained broadly in the mid-to-late twenties in recent years. High housing costs are likely to be one factor making it harder for young adults to move out.
According to property portal Immotop.lu, house prices in Luxembourg have soared by more than 60% over the last decade, making it increasingly difficult for young adults to secure their first home.
With record-high rents and ever-stricter requirements for bank guarantees, even those with stable jobs often find they cannot afford to live independently. As a result, many young professionals choose to stay longer with their parents to save for a future deposit, a rational response to the situation, albeit one that postpones full independence.
Importantly, though, housing costs are only one of several factors that can influence when people leave the family home.
