I came across a lot of videos that talk about how more people in their 20s and 30s are choosing to stay with their parents especially after the pandemic. Definitely, this is partly due to the cost of property and the rising cost of rent and living especially in the cities. In Singapore, I don’t think it is strange to still be staying with your parents in your 30s as we do not have the mentality that you should leave your home at 18 and start living independently.
It has it’s pros and cons but it definitely depends on your family dynamics and how your relationship with your parents are. After all, the property is indeed your parent’s and so there are rules that will need to be followed and if you cannot take it, moving out is the best option but can be affected by financial issues.
I would say that family dynamics are different for every individual and I am lucky to be living with a family that is close and we do blend well together with my mum being very accommodating so for me, living with her is a pro compared to moving out. But in terms of being independent, I definitely am not. My laundry, meals and essential housekeeping is not being done by me, embarrassing but I like to enjoy this as much as I can haha. Eventually, I will need to start doing them but staying with my mum means she will do them for me, I used to do them occasionally when my mum was working but after she retired, she has been doing it.
Cost/Housing system
Singapore is unique as we are a city state so that means that everywhere is accessible. We do not have to move to another city within the country to work for example in USA, some will need to move from Idaho or Texas to New York or San Francisco because there might be better opportunities or the headquarter of the office might be there.
In this way, most of us in Singapore do stay with our parents till we are able to afford rent or until we get our own property. Rent in the city is always expensive compared to the suburban as we see in the world, that is the same in Singapore, with Singapore being small, the supply might be lesser and so landlords do have the upper hand unless in unique conditions.
There are also certain conditions to be able to purchase public housing in Singapore otherwise, private is the way to go but it is not easy to have the sum of money for mortgage. This all accumulates and I just find it easier to stay with my family for now.
Freedom/Own space
I think this is a huge reason why most people choose to move out especially since in Singapore, most of us stay in flats or condo units, space can be limited for a family unit. We saw this during the pandemic as many worked from home and realised how having your own space is important. Many younger folks found it impossible to concentrate on work while having their parents go about their lives at home too due to the pandemic.
For me, it was all right, it was mainly being cooped up at home that was the issue. I don’t have a huge family so space was sufficient for us. It is nice to have your own space, I have friends who have BTOs and renovated them very nicely with a study/gym room and gadgets in the kitchen like a dishwasher, I think it is the feeling of going home to a space of your own that people yearn for.
Having your own space also means you can do things your way like not washing your dishes straightaway or buying your own ingredients to cook or to drink and heading home anytime you want to.
Independence
Similar to the above, you find yourself having to do groceries, housework and making sure that things are working at home otherwise you are the one to suffer. Settling your meals are also an essential part especially if you do not live near any food establishments and is a homebody.
Overall
It is a cost and space issue and financials play a big part since the housing space in Singapore is unique and in most cases costly. I have to say that I am very much dependent on my family and if in any case I do move out in the future, I do find that I will feel very lonely so that will be something I will need to adapt to.
Other than that, I think most people are not moving out as coast of buying a property is much more difficult and lesser people are getting married so individuals are able to stay longer with their parents and at the same time keep their spending low.
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