Relationship breakdown leading cause of adults moving back in with mum and dad

• Data analysis carried out by family law solicitors Cordell and Cordell reveals that separation is the number one reason for those aged 26-40 to move back in with their parents
• In heterosexual relationships, men are more likely than women to be forced out of a shared home
• Rising property values and strict mortgage lending rules means an increasing number are unable to secure housing independently following a split
• Family lawyers recommend staying in your home until your divorce is final to avoid losing possession

Adults who ‘boomerang’ back to live with their parents are most likely do so due to a split with a partner, data analysis has revealed – and the party that moves out of the shared home is more likely to be male.

Family law solicitors Cordell and Cordell, conducted a study which shows that the breakdown of romantic relationships is the leading reason for those aged 26-40 to move back in with mum and dad.

The rising cost of property, and stringent mortgage lending rules are likely contributors to this trend. The average UK home now costs more than six times the average annual salary, making it increasingly difficult to afford a home as single person.

One in five of those questioned in a survey by UK insurance provider Churchill cited financial troubles, such as being tied into a mortgage, as the main reason for needing to move back in with family after a breakup.

In the case of a split where a couple hold a joint mortgage, the individual that leaves the shared home is often unable to take on another mortgage as their name is still on the first. Most lenders won’t allow a mortgage to be transferred to a sole name after divorce, unless the remaining party can meet the strict affordability criteria. Where there are children involved, a court may decide that both parties must remain on the mortgage until the children have turned eighteen, to avoid unnecessary upheaval for them.

This scenario tends to favour the woman in a heterosexual relationship – according to Aviva, women (30%) are more likely than men (21%) to reside at the same home after a divorce. In cases where a jointly owned property is sold, the proceeds also are more likely to be divided in favour of a woman.

For this reason, divorce lawyers usually recommend that both parties remain in the shared property until a legal settlement has been reached.

Siobhan Vegh, Solicitor of Cordell & Cordell Solicitors said: “The data we’ve uncovered just emphasises how tricky divorce and separation can be, especially with the costs of buying and renting rising consistently.

“It is highly recommended that, if at all possible, you remain in the marital home until your divorce is final. The party that remains is more likely to receive exclusive possession of the home until the court issues its final divorce decree, so by leaving, you risk being locked out of your home potentially for several months.”

Not everyone is lucky enough to be supported by family following a breakup, with data also showing that relationship breakdown is a leading cause of homelessness.

Recent figures released by the ONS reveal that violent relationship breakdown and non-violent relationship breakdown are the third and fourth biggest drivers for the loss of a settled home. Meanwhile, research by homelessness charity Shelter has highlighted that one in three people who are living with a partner fear that they would lose their home and have nowhere to go if their relationship broke down.