Up to 2 million people live ‘rent free’

More than 1.6 million young people aged 18 to 24 are living with friends or family, nearly triple the number doing the same things this time last year. Research by Abbey Mortgages also found that among the 35 to 54 age group, more than 300,000 people are living rent free under someone’s roof, and said that in the current climate many people had little choice but to return home or turn to their friends or family.