Slovakia housing crisis delays youth independence

Data from STEM/MARK reveals that young adults in Slovakia are delaying independence significantly longer than their counterparts in the Czech Republic. In 2023, approximately 57 percent of Slovaks aged 25 to 34 were still living with their parents, compared to only 22 percent in the Czech Republic.

The average age for leaving the parental home in Slovakia is 30.9 years, while in the Czech Republic, it is 25.8 years. This delay is largely attributed to housing unaffordability, high property prices, and expensive mortgages. While Slovakia has a very high rate of homeownership—between 93 and 94 percent—the lack of affordable rental options leaves young people with few alternatives.

Despite the later departure from parental homes, Slovak women tend to have their first child earlier than Czech women, with the average age being 27.4 compared to 29 in the Czech Republic. In contrast, the delay in the Czech Republic is more closely linked to the postponement of parenthood.