Leaving home

In Australia, most people move out of home between the ages of 22 and 24 . This age is increasing at the moment because it’s becoming harder to afford rent and find a place to live, especially in big cities where housing costs keep going up.

If you’re thinking about moving out, it’s totally okay to take your time and make a plan that works for you. There's no one ‘right’ age to do it.

Knowing when you’re ready to move out of home is different for everyone. Sometimes it’s by choice, sometimes it’s through circumstances outside of your control. If you’re not sure that you’re ready, it can help to ask yourself a few questions, like:

• are you able to afford costs like rent, utilities, and groceries?

• are you ready for more independence and responsibility?

• do you have an accessible support network close by, like friends and family?

Read more about things to consider when you’re moving out .

A share house is a living arrangement where multiple people live together. They share common areas, like the kitchen and living room, while having private bedrooms. 

Living in a share house can help reduce individual living costs and help foster a sense of community. For these reasons, many people across a range of ages and backgrounds live in share houses, especially as the cost of living rises and affordable accommodation becomes harder to find in major cities.

Not necessarily, but many young people choose to live in share houses because it’s more affordable and it’s also more social. They can often find places with friends or people they know, though sometimes it may be with people they don’t already know.

Whether you live with friends, in student accommodation, or on your own depends on factors like your budget, lifestyle, work or study commitments and personal preferences.

Read more in this guide about living with housemates .

The answer to this will be different for everyone. Sometimes it’s necessary to move away from family when you move out, like if you’re studying or working in another city or state, or even overseas. Other times, it’s possible to live a little closer to your family. It really depends on your individual circumstances, preferences and what makes the most sense for you. 

It can also help to talk to a trusted friend, family member or even a counsellor if you’re looking for a little extra guidance and support.

Read about Harrison’s reasons for choosing to stay in his hometown instead of moving to a big city for uni.

Sometimes it’s tricky to know whether leaving home will upset your parents. It’s important to consider how they might respond, but also ensure that you’re still able to make the best decision possible for yourself. 

If you’re worried about conflict, it can be helpful to talk to someone like a peer worker or a counsellor to talk through your plan for communicating with your parents. It can be helpful to map out different scenarios, like if they respond well and are supportive, or if their response isn’t positive but you still want to make the move. 

Ultimately, this comes down to respectful communication with your parents to help them understand your choice while also advocating for your needs and setting healthy boundaries. 

Around 23 per cent of young people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience homelessness in Australia .

Housing stress, family conflict, and financial issues are common challenges that young people can face in securing stable and safe housing. This can mean that people end up couch surfing, living in their cars, between temporary accommodations or on the streets when things are really tough.

If you or someone you know is struggling with finding stable housing, here’s some more info and support services for youth homelessness.

Being between homes can feel scary, but there are some short-term options available. This could include staying with trusted friends or family, student accommodation, hostels, or supported youth housing services. 

If you’re in crisis or at risk of homelessness, services like Ask Izzy , Youth Off The Streets or your local youth support centre can help you find a safe place to stay. Read about more support options when experiencing homelessness .