Overview of the Report
Notes from Poland, a non‑profit editorial platform, publishes independent research on social and economic issues. The article is authored by deputy editor‑in‑chief Alicja Ptak, a journalist with experience at Reuters, Clean Energy Wire and The Times, and host of the podcast The Warsaw Wire.
Key Findings on Young Adults Living at Home
Over half (53 %) of Poles aged 25‑34 now reside with their parents, making Poland the fourth‑highest EU member in this metric. Between 2018 and 2023 the share rose by eight percentage points, the second‑largest increase across the Union after Ireland (17 pp). Only Croatia (64 %), Slovakia (57 %) and Greece (55 %) exceed Poland’s figure. In contrast, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Lithuania saw declines of 12, 10 and 10 pp respectively.
Housing Affordability Pressures
Eurofound attributes the surge to soaring housing costs. From 2015 to Q3 2025 Polish housing prices more than doubled, with the most rapid growth after 2018. In 2024 Poland recorded the largest year‑on‑year price rise among European nations (19.3 %). Warsaw’s average cost per square metre now surpasses Rome’s, while Kraków experienced a 28.1 % increase. Limited new supply, high construction costs, zoning restrictions and state‑backed mortgage subsidies for first‑time buyers have intensified competition between households and investors.
Income‑to‑Rent Burden
In several EU countries more than 80 % of median wages are needed to rent a standard two‑room flat; Poland is among them. Young Poles report housing costs as a “heavy financial burden” more frequently than peers elsewhere. Approximately 50 % of those aged 18‑29 consider housing expenses a significant strain, a proportion only exceeded by Greece (61 %).
Comparative European Context
Eurostat data (2024) confirm that 53.9 % of Polish 25‑34‑year‑olds lived with parents, reinforcing the Eurofound figure. By contrast, Ireland’s overall 2023 rate stood at 40 % despite its larger increase. Finland and Denmark reported the lowest national shares at 3 % each.
Implications for Sustainable Housing Strategies
The data underline a pressing need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions across Europe. High energy prices, labour shortages and stringent environmental regulations further constrain construction, limiting the sector’s ability to deliver eco‑friendly dwellings at accessible price points. Policymakers aiming to improve sustainability must address both supply‑side constraints and the financial barriers that force young adults to remain in parental homes.
Sources and Credibility
The article draws on Eurofound’s report, Eurostat statistics, and a CBOS study of unmarried, child‑free 25‑35‑year‑olds (39 % co‑habiting with parents). The information is AI‑generated but based on publicly available European research agencies.