Most parents dread the empty nest syndrome, however the opposite is proving true for the younger generation of Europeans who are growing up but staying at home. This includes almost half of the EU population of adults aged from 18 to 29 years of age. The most likely to stay at home are the Maltese and Slovenians with over 80% staying in the familial home, followed by Italy at 79%.

Greece has a reputation for people staying at home, but the rate is actually just under the EU average at 46%. The rate has increased from 37% in 2007 to 46% in 2011.

In Britain, the number of people choosing to stay at home even after they have grown up has risen by 5% in the last year.

The main reason for the growing rate of people opting to stay at home is financial. The employment rates are climbing. Rising levels of unemployment makes staing at home a cheaper option for young adults, though its costing their parents more to feed and accommodate their children aged over 18.