IN-PERSON Manchester Livable Cities

Abstract

Young adults, most often defined as people aged 25–34, face increasing housing difficulties in European cities today. Despite a high level of professional and educational activity, they struggle with economic uncertainty, employment instability, high rental costs and limited availability of housing. This results in a delayed moment of independence, an extended period of living with parents and an increasing dependence on family resources. At the same time, young adults rarely constitute a separate category in urban housing policies, which raises questions about the adequacy of the tools used by cities and whether they respond to the needs of this dynamic and particularly vulnerable group. The aim of the project is to analyze the position of young adults in local housing policies of large European cities and to identify solutions supporting their housing autonomy. The study includes a comparison of strategic documents, an analysis of selected case studies (including supported rental programs, available forms of rental housing, financial instruments), interviews with representatives of local administration and non-governmental organizations, and an analysis of statistical data on housing resources, costs and conditions. My project contributes to interdisciplinary research on housing and urban planning by pointing out that young adults should be seen as key recipients of public policies that influence the long-term sustainability, attractiveness and social justice of cities. The study results will become the basis for recommendations for European and Polish cities in designing more accessible and resilient housing systems.