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This is an archived release.
Young people struggle with housing
The housing market creates hard times for young people. For young, both singles and couples as well as for families with young children - housing expenses rose considerably from 1997 to 2001. Single people aged 45 and above were also experiencing hard times compared with couples of the same age without children. In 2001 housing expenses were as high or higher while at the same time incomes were significantly lower.
The portion homeowners among single aged 45 and above is clearly lower than for couples without children. After years of decline the portion homeowners of young has shown a positive development, and presently there is hardly any difference in the portion of homeowners among single aged 25-44 and young couples without children.
Fewest owners among single people
Among young single ones - only one out of seven is a homeowner, and among single people aged 25-44 about three out of five own a resident. The difference in the ownership portion among middle-aged and elderly is about 20 percentage points. Compared with figures from 1997 more young, single people own residents, but among young couples without children no changes have taken place.
Families with young children - not enough space, but child-friendly
Young single ones experience the poorest living standard both concerning access to bathroom, indoor climate and space. Couples with young children still live in crowded conditions. This is the case for one out of six couples, and only one out of eight couples lived very spaciously. Families with young children are broadly speaking living in child-friendly surroundings. With the exception of single parents about nine out of ten have access to a garden. Three out of four have close access to a playground.
Steep increase in housing expenses for young households
Households with young children had the highest housing expenses in the form of interest and repayment of housing debt and rent. in 2001. These expenses were on average about NOK 75 000 per household. Elderly single people and older couples without children had the lowest expenses, about NOK 13 000 and 7 000 respectively.
Poorest housing standard in the large cities
People in sparsely populated areas have more space than people living in densely populated areas.
But in spite of smaller residences - housing expenses in populated areas are clearly the highest.
Two out of three young ones on the move
Young people are on the move, single as well as couples. Over half of these have lived less than two years in their present residence. One out of three younger couples and one out of four single ones aged 25-44 have lived in their residence less than two years. Couples with children and singles aged 45-66 are also moving quite often, and one out of four and one out of five - respectively - are planning on moving within three years. Only five per cent of the elderly are planning to move within the same time.