Young Europeans fleeing cohabitation: 52% want their own home

The HousingAnywhere 2025 study reveals that 52% of young Europeans who currently share a home with other roommates would like to own their own apartment . This finding is redefining the rental market, driven by rising costs, cultural evolution, and new co-living models.

How much does age influence the desire for autonomy?

As we age, we move from tolerance for cohabitation to the desire for exclusive spaces. Among 18-20 year-olds, only 46% of roommates dream of an apartment all to themselves; the percentage rises to 52% among 21-24 year-olds and reaches 57% among 25-29 year-olds. The peak comes at 30-34 year-olds (61%) , when more stable salaries, smart working, and the need for privacy as a couple come into play. In short, every three-year period adds a few points to the desire for independence , a sign that career and income remain the main drivers of the transition from a shared room to a studio apartment.

Northern vs. Southern Europe: cultural (and price) differences

Village	% who prefer to live alone	Average price of furnished apartment*
Netherlands	60%	€2,685 (Amsterdam)
Germany	56%	€2,050 (Berlin)
Italy	47%	€1,800 (Milan)
Spain	46%	€1,600 (Barcelona)

*Source: HousingAnywhere International Rent Index Q2 2025

In the Northern countries, higher salaries are pushing for independence despite record rents, while in Italy and Spain the convivial culture and still “contained” costs keep rented rooms alive.

The Italian case: cohabitation is an (almost) obligatory choice

In Italy, cohabitation is often an economic necessity rather than a cultural choice . With rents reaching €1,800 in Milan and lower starting salaries, 49% of young people share accommodation, while only 16.5% live alone; a further 22% remain with their parents while waiting to find a place to live. The impact of short-term rentals for tourists is reducing the availability of accommodation in university cities, pushing people towards co-living or returning home. Until salaries and incentives bridge the gap, sharing will remain the most common accommodation for Italians under 35.

Rental market, between co-living and hybrid solutions

Antonio Intini , CEO of HousingAnywhere says: «Offering flexible options , from rooms to co-living to mini-apartments, is essential to follow the needs that change with age » .

Digital platforms, temporary home-sharing, and all-inclusive plans are revolutionizing the offering: more services, simplified contracts, and transparent fees.

Towards a more tailored market

The key statistic—over half of co-tenants want their own home—requires landlords, agencies, and policymakers to rethink space, pricing, and incentives . Only a modular and sustainable offering will satisfy the new generation of European tenants.

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