Generation Pause: 60% of under 45s left behind by housing crisis

Housing stalls life milestones such as career, children and retirement, Shelter study shows.

New research from housing charity Shelter today reveals three in five (59%) 18-44
year olds in Britain say they will be forced to put their lives on hold because of housing problems.

The Shelter and YouGov study of adults under 45 was carried out as part of the Great Home Debate. It revealed the housing shortage is reshaping how millions of people live their lives and creating entirely new timeframes for when they hit traditional life milestones. Housing is a reason for people lagging behind in crucial aspects of their lives – from career and retirement to family and relationships.

Housing problems are a key factor in stalling people's careers, with one in five (19%) saying they had experienced or expected a delay in finding job opportunities. The survey also showed millions of younger people already feel retirement is slipping out of reach, with one in nine (11%) saying they thought it would be delayed because of housing.

Marriage and family was a major area of concern, with one in six (16%) people in relationships saying they had postponed marriage, or expected to do so. And many couples are also facing problems starting a family – one in five (22%) people in relationships have put off having children, or are expecting to in future.

With so many losing hope of a stable future, Shelter and British Gas are urging the public to take part in a national conversation about the meaning of home. In its 50th year, the charity will use people's views to help shape new standards for homes in the 21st century – and anyone can have their say by visiting www.greathomedebate.org.uk.

Campbell Robb, Shelter's chief executive, said: "Everyone deserves the chance to have a home where they can put down roots and build a life for themselves. But our ever-growing housing crisis means millions of young people are being left behind – unable to reach many of the crucial life milestones that were taken for granted by the generations who came before them.

"As Shelter reaches its 50th year, it's heart-breaking to see so many young people still living in a housing limbo, facing a frustrating lifetime of instability where they feel unable to move forward with their lives.

"We cannot make this crisis someone else's problem, and it's the responsibility of all of us to help fix it.  So take part in the Great Home Debate and tell us what home really means to modern Britain – so we can fight to make this the reality for future generations."

Bryan Halliday, Head of Corporate Citizenship at British Gas, said: "Everyone has the right to a safe and warm home, and our partnership with Shelter has made great progress towards this.  But more needs to be done to put an end to bad housing. This is why we're supporting the Great Home Debate to help shape housing standards of the future."

Case study: Hayley, 34, lives in a London flatshare. After years of struggling with housing, she is worried about her future, and even considering working abroad to create a better life.

Hayley says: "I don't feel settled in a home like some of my friends do and it's hard not to compare yourself with others. I'd worry about the future when it comes to children too. I'm single right now but I'd only ever consider having a baby – alone or with someone else – if I was in stable home.

"I don't want to be in this situation in five years and I'm seriously considering what I'll have to do career-wise – I'm thinking about a move abroad. It's kind of sad really. Living in London is a bit Peter Pan like - just not growing up."