Relationship Breakdowns Drive 7.3 Million Brits Back to Parents
- 7.3 million Brits have moved back in with their parents following a relationship breakdown, divorce or separation
- People spend an average of 18 months living back with their parents following divorce or separation
- More than half (58%) cite financial pressures for moving back in with their parents
- Churchill advises anyone moving back home to check their parents’ insurance policy provides sufficient cover for all of their belongings
With the festivities over many are reassessing their relationships and seeking a fresh start. For some, that means breaking up and moving back home with parents. According to new research from Churchill Home Insurance¹, 7.3 million Brits have moved back in with their parents following a relationship breakdown, divorce, or separation.
While nearly a third (31%) said they returned home as a temporary measure while searching for new accommodation, for many this proved far from short-term. On average, those who ‘boomeranged’ back spent around 18 months living with their parents after a breakup. However, it’s not just parents that are housing and supporting their children through these breakups; around 2.9 million new singletons (5%) moved in with another family member or friends.
While financial reasons are cited by 58% for moving back home, emotional support from parents (23%) and the need for space or independence from an ex-partner (19%) are also significant drivers.
Table one: Financial reasons for moving back in with parents
| Financial reasons for moving back in with parents | |
| I wanted to save up to buy my own place | 18% |
| I needed to reduce my cost of living e.g. spend on food and bills | 14% |
| I needed to save up for a rental deposit | 12% |
| Rents elsewhere were too high | 11% |
| I was unemployed / previously relied on my partner for money | 9% |
| Money tied up in mortgage / rent of existing property | 8% |
| I had debts I needed to pay off (excluding mortgage) | 6% |
Source: Churchill Insurance 2025
Previous research by Churchill² shows that parents take an average of 3.2 years to repurpose their child’s old bedroom after they’ve moved out. This means some returning ‘boomerang’ adults may find their old rooms waiting for them. In fact, almost one in ten adults (8%) who have left home say their bedroom has remained completely unchanged since they moved out.
While many parents are happy to welcome their children home, they may be less thrilled when more than half (59%) of adult children returning after a breakup bring some or all of their possessions with them. Over half (52%) of UK adults³ say they don’t have enough storage space for their belongings. With many treating their parents’ homes as long-term storage, these extra items can quickly add to household clutter.
Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: “A separation or divorce can be an emotionally challenging experience, and during these difficult times, support from parents, family, and friends can be invaluable. The added financial strain of maintaining separate households often makes it easier to move in temporarily with loved ones while taking time to reset and reorganise finances. With rising rent and mortgage costs, many adults simply cannot afford to pay for separate accommodation as a single person following a breakup.
“Anyone moving back in with their parents should ensure their parents’ home insurance policy is sufficient to cover their additional belongings, as well as anything belonging to visiting children. If you don’t check with your insurance provider, you may find that you’re underinsured or even not insured at all.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Research conducted by Opinium, amongst a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, data collected between 12.12.2025 – 16.12.2025.
Research conducted by Opinium, amongst a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, data collected between 19.09.2025 – 23.09.2025.Over a quarter of people admit they use their parents’ home as a “forever storage unit”
Research conducted by Opinium Research with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults 12th and 16th January 2024.
For further information, please contact:
Unni Henry
Churchill PR Manager
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk
About Churchill
Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.
Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com