Kids moving back home? Here’s what it could really cost you

September 23, 2026 — 5:00am

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If you have ever had an adult child leave home, you’ll understand that the chapter is never really closed, until they’re fully established or coupled. That said, many young couples also return to live with a parent to save money and buy a home.

Fortune 500 financial services company Thrivent’s 2025 fourth annual Boomerang Kids Survey found parents are now more likely than ever to provide temporary financial support for adult children returning home after having moved out. About 46 per cent of parents report adult children aged between 18 and 35 moving back home, a trend continuing from previous surveys.

After a divorce, father of two Ivan* moved into a two-bedroom apartment close to the city. His daughter and son decided to rent elsewhere with their friends.

Just as he was getting back on his feet and starting to enjoy single life, his son called and said he couldn’t continue renting and asked if he could move in with him.

“My grocery bills doubled overnight when my son moved back. I went from buying groceries as........

© The Age